TX Hill Country Wine Tasting – Kuhlman Cellars

Kuhlman

As the next step in their lifelong passion for wine, Chris and Jennifer Cobb began their ‘Wine Life’ journey with Kuhlman Cellars opening to the public in October of 2014. The Cobb family, including Chris’ parents Diane and Reed Cobb, managed a small estate vineyard just north of the winery property in the Texas Hill Country AVA prior to the completion of the winery. The Kuhlman Cellars

name was derived from the Kuhlman Creek that originates on their family farm and ultimately empties into the Pedernales River.

Winemaker and Texas wine pioneer Bénédicte Rhyne joined the team in 2012 as Winemaker and partner. With a rich history in the Texas Wine community, Bénédicte began her career in Sonoma with Ravenswood Winery after completing her Diplôme National d’Œnologue (Masters in Enology) at the Universite de Bourgogne in Dijon, France. At Kuhlman Cellars, she crafts wine representative of Old World winemaking principles including blending high quality fruit to accent the strongest characteristics while maintaining a subtle hand in the manipulation of the natural juice. With these principles in mind, we strive to make wines of distinction, nuance and great complexity.

Inspired by the winding waterways, geological formations and mineral rich soil types found in the Texas Terroir, Kuhlman Cellars pays homage to this unique terrain in each of its proprietary blends. Recognizing the importance of finding viticultural union between the climate and vine, the Kuhlman winemaking team continues a vigilant pursuit of research, experimentation and education.

We did the signature food and wine pairing and Brandi was an excellent hostess in explaining the wines and the type of foods to pair with them. Here’s a look at the pairings.

Pairing of 5 Signature Wines:

1. 2017 Calcaria – This white blend offers perfumed aromatics with complex layers of white flower and stone fruit while the palate shows elegant notes of pear and honeysuckle. The wine includes a blend of 57% Trebbiano; 21% Roussane; 15% Viognier and 7% Chenin Blanc. The wine can be enjoyed on its own, but layered complexity will allow it to pair with full-bodied cheese or Mediterranean cuisine.
Pita Chip with roasted garlic hummus, topped with feta cheese, Greek spice, and parsley.

2. 2018 Estate Rose – Traditional winemaking methods of Provence were used on the Estate grown Carignan and Mourvedre. It includes 75% Carignan grapes and 25% Mourvedre. The bouquet boasts caramel and strawberry carrying into a body of robust pomegranate and candied watermelon. It balances medium acidity and subtle tannins, creating a soft and pleasurable drinking experience.
Pairing: Kuhlman Cellars Herbed Almonds

3. 2016 Merlot – This is an opulent Bordeaux variety that teases the senses with aromas of leather and rosewater, and offers old world complexity with new world approachability. Delicate notes of black cherry, vanilla bean, and chocolate interlace with rustic notes of the Texas High Plains.
Pairing: Aurelia’s Spanish Chorizo topped with black bean puree spread, Monterrey jack cheese, and avocado sour cream

4. 2016 Barranca – Barranca is structured to be balanced and food friendly. With notes of violets, sweet baking spices, and cherry on the bouquet, the palate offers both complexity and balanced with dark chocolate, crème fraiche, and intense minerality. This wine is a blend of 27% Tempranillo; 23% Petite Sirah; 22% Mourvedre; 15% Carignan; 12% Merlot; and 2% Cabernet Franc.
Pairing: Spring pea and bacon ranch salad topped with dehydrated beet and pumpkin seed streusel, Oaxacan cheddar cheese, and plum compote

5. 2015 Kankar – This premium red blend offers an intensely aromatic bouquet of black cherry, ripe raspberry, dark chocolate, and eucalyptus. Bright acidity and supple tannins make this wine enjoyable on its own or with a wide range of fine cuisines.
Pairing: Sweet Potato Chip, sweet potato puree spread topped with cherry rosemary compote, Gorgonzola cheese, scallion, and toasted walnuts

These wines were exceptional and it was another one of our favorite wineries. We definitely will visit again!