Lush, plush black grape polished pleasure from Texas. Left Bank Bordeaux—thus the LB on the label—with emphasis on cab, ably abetted by cab franc and malbec. From Texas? Please, forget your stereotype, Texas is a player in the wine world with growers who know how and what to grow and makers who know how to make. This is impressive example. $51-60
Invention Vineyards is steeped in Texas Hill Country history. The property on Highway 16 started as a grist mill built by Carl Hilmar Guenther in 1851. That evolved into Pioneer Flour Mills, a major player in the industry. Dabs and John Hollimon acquired the property and planted a vineyard in 2013. Wanting to retire, the Hollimons sold the property to the Randy Jones family, who already owned La Bon Vie Ranch, a wedding and event center where vines were planted to create ambiance. In nod to history, the Joneses changed the name to Slate Mill Wine Collective. They also renovated the old Torre di Pietra winery on Highway 290 and opened the Slate Theory Winery in 2021. The next year, the Jones family decided to focus on Slate Theory and sold their Highway 16 property to Brian Heath and Heath Family Wines.
This 2021 effort occurred during the sale. The majority of the fruit came from the Lahey Vineyards on the Texas High Plains—where some 85% of Texas wine grapes are grown. The Heath family managed this effort. They produced a smooth, delicious, dark fruit winner that doesn’t torment the inside of your cheeks with tannins, has admirable acidity—which helps with food pairing. Jason Englert was the winemaker. Since acquisition, the Heath Family expanded the operation from 2,000 cases a year to more than 50,000. The winery now has a 25,000-square-foot production facility with more than 50 stainless steel tanks and a 2000-barrel cellar surrounded by 35 acres of vines.
Invention Vineyards LB Red Wine, Fredericksburg, Texas 2021: Deep garnet color; cherry, plum, blackberry, cranberry, raspberry, baking spice, potpourri, graphite, leather, oak spice on the nose and palate.
Dry (0.53 g/L); moderate, fine-grained tannins; bright acidity (3.59 pH; 6.8 g/L TA). Medium-plus body. Plush mouthfeel. Left Bank Bordeaux-esque effort with Texas freshness and impressive depth. The “LB” name stands for “Left Bank” and, indeed, this is a Left Bank Bordeaux blend of 42% cabernet sauvignon, 41% cabernet franc, 17% malbec. Invention Vineyards is part of Heath Family Brands. Other brands include Grape Creek Vineyards, Heath Sparkling Wines, Heath Family Estate, K Estate in Texas, and Jenblossom Cellars and Heath Vineyards in Paso Robles, California. The IV name has two meanings. They are the initials for Invention Vineyards, of course, but the winery also was the fourth acquisition for Heath Family Brands, IV being the Roman numeral for 4. 13.5% ABV
Pairing—Grilled, seared red meats, ribeye, strip, tenderloin with peppery or shallot crust; Texas-style slow-cooked brisket, smoked beef ribs with tomato or coffee-based rub. Lamb chops or rack of lamb with rosemary or thyme. Smoked pork shoulder. Red-wine-based beef stew or short-ribs with carrots and mushrooms. Shepherd’s pie-style dishes with lamb or beef. Roasted root vegetables. Avoid poached fish or light pasta dishes, overly sweet glazes or sauces. Cheese—Aged cheddar, sharp or extra sharp; aged or smoked gouda; manchego aged 6-12 months. Parmigiano-reggiano or pecorino; blue-veined, cambozola, gorgonzola dolce.
Health Family Brands Invention Vineyards website
