$ 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.
