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andychalk

WINE REVIEW: Saba Winery 2019 Norteno Red Blend, Tad Daniel Vineyards, Texas High Plains, TX ($35)


by Andrew Chalk


A new winery founded in 2021 by Scott Monette and Mirta Leon Poiseu in Mason, Texas. Scott was not always a Texas wine enthusiast “For many years, I must admit, I did not rate Texas wines highly. In my view, they lacked both the structure of the great wines of the Old World and the depth-of-flavor of the high-end wines of the New World. I considered Texas wines a novelty, nothing more.”


It was when he tasted Texas wine that the scales fell from his eyes. “I decided to pick up a bottle of Texas wine as a break from my usual Spanish or Argentine red. Instead, I selected a Tannat and was immediately impressed by the structure and complexity of this wine. Enthralled, I began to read up on Texas wines with newfound curiosity.” The rest is predictable.


Scott and Mirta have planted 20 acres of vines in Menard County in 2022 and whether their grapes come from their own vineyards or are purchased, they are committed to 100% Texas fruit. Their varietal focus will be on Spanish varieties such as garnache, graciano, and cariñena as well as proven Texas favorites like picpoul blanc and tannat.


The Saba Winery tasting room is located on the square in Mason, Texas.

This wine is a blend of tempranillo, sangiovese, and alicante bouschet this wine is opaque in the nose, forward in its fruit aromas in the nose. Blackberry, raisins, oak. In the mouth the fruit is accompanied by lead pencil, soft tannins, medium acid and oak underpinnings.


This wine is a solid start for a new winery. I would drink now with your favorite red meat. Such examples as barbecued brisket, rump steak, and formidable burgers.



Sample.


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