Fortified
$ 45.00
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Pre-Order for release party with Foodie + Tina October 24th
Bold, expressive, and unapologetically Texas — Work Horse 2023 brings together Cabernet Sauvignon from Paradis with Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvèdre from Robert Clay Vineyards in a richly layered, full-bodied blend.
Vintage & Vineyard Context
The 2023 season in Texas was challenging yet promising. Statewide reports from Texas A&M AgriLife predicted “good to exceptional” fruit quality despite variable yields. AgriLife Today+1 A cooler, wetter-than-average spring helped the vines recover from prior drought stress, setting a strong vegetative foundation. Vintage Texas As summer progressed, the heat intensified, pushing harvest forward and demanding careful balancing of sugar, phenolic ripeness, and acid retention.
In the Paradis site, the warm days and cool nights typical of Texas Hill Country soils allowed the Cabernet fruit to build structure, while preserving nuance and aromatic brightness. Meanwhile, at Robert Clay Vineyards in Mason County (a site known for its hands-on, minimal intervention practices), the Cabernet and Mourvèdre vines were pushed into expressive ripeness under heat pressure, but benefited from the strong spring and attentive canopy management.
This vintage demanded precision in picking — waiting for flavor maturity while avoiding over-ripeness. The result is a wine with depth, tension, and clarity.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Pronounced aromas of creamy vanilla and soft resinous pine — a nod to ponderosa bark — meet subtle spice and forest hum.
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Palate: Rich and full, with crisp watermelon and red cherry in the foreground, framed by white pepper spice and firm tannins.
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Finish: Lingering, structured, with a silky thread of warmth and fruit persistence.
Food Pairings
Work Horse 2023 thrives alongside robust flavors. Some ideal pairings:
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Pepper-crusted lamb chops or leg of lamb
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Braised short ribs with black pepper and herbs
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Grilled pork tenderloin with a red pepper compote
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Aged cheeses — Manchego, sharp Gouda, aged Pecorino
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Wild game (venison, quail) served with berry or plum reductions
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Bold, peppered or chile-accented dishes — think blackened steak, mole sauces. It also holds up well next to boldly spiced dishes—think smoked brisket with peppercorn rub or mole with dark chocolate accents.
New New
$ 42.00
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$42.00
2024 lenoir
banff vineyards – texas hill country
12.8% abv | 104 cases produced
deep and expressive, this still lenoir shows off its texas roots with notes of dried cranberry, sarsaparilla, and a dr. pepper–like cola spice. juicy yet grounded, the palate balances bright red fruit with earthy tannin and a gentle herbal lift. rustic charm meets polish in a wine that’s unfined, unfiltered, and distinctly hill country.
Soft Fizz
$ 30.00
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2023 Mourvèdre Pét-Nat
Texas Hill Country – Limestone Terrace
12% ABV | 200 cases produced
Soft fizz greets the palate while the nose cuts sharp—layered with notes of dried herbs, cedar, and the nostalgic warmth of an old spice cabinet. Tart red cherry drives the fruit core, grounded by the savory, mineral tension of limestone terroir. Unfined, unfiltered, and distinctly Hill Country.
Fall Favorites
$ 35.00
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2024 Salt Lick Vineyards Whole Cluster Red
93% Mourvèdre | 7% Alicante Bouschet | 13.5% ABV
Hand-harvested and fermented whole cluster, this vibrant field blend captures the raw energy of the Texas Hill Country. Red plum leads the palate with juicy depth, layered with notes of warm cedar, wild herbs, and a subtle saline edge that speaks to the vineyard’s limestone soils. The Alicante Bouschet lends its hallmark color and texture, while whole cluster fermentation brings lifted aromatics and a tea-like tannic grip. Earthy, savory, and quietly wild this is a red that lingers with intention.
$ 50.00
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60% CABERNET SAUVIGNON - Nogalero Vineyards - Texas High Plains 40% TEMPRANILLO - Nogalero Vineyards - Texas High Plains Hand Picked 8/19/22, 23 Brix, Fermented on the skins in bins for 10days. Pressed into tank to settle then transferred to barrel. 2022 Vintage.
This Cabernet Sauvignon is a versatile partner at the table.Its bold flavors pair perfectly with grilled ribeye, braisedshort ribs, or lamb chops. The wine's robust tannins alsomake it an ideal companion to aged cheeses or roastedvegetables, while its balanced acidity complements richer,savory dishes like mushroom risotto or a charcuterieboard.
Small production, just 150 cases.
