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Elevate Your Holiday Table: A Comprehensive Kuhlman Cellars Texas Wine Review for Thanksgiving

Nothing quite captures the spirit of togetherness and celebration like sharing a fine bottle of wine with cherished friends and family over a delicious meal. This communal joy is especially amplified during the holiday season, making the selection of the perfect wines a delightful, yet often challenging, task. That’s precisely why I eagerly embraced the opportunity to dive into Kuhlman Cellars’ specially curated Thanksgiving wine bundle. Whether you’re planning a lively Friendsgiving feast, a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, or simply seeking exceptional Texas wines to enhance your gatherings, my detailed review of the Kuhlman Cellars Thanksgiving Trio below will guide your choice. Prepare to discover wines that promise to make your celebrations truly memorable.

Kuhlman Cellars Thanksgiving Wine Review

Kuhlman Cellars, a distinguished name in the burgeoning Texas wine scene, generously sent me their Thanksgiving wine trio for an in-depth review. This enticing bundle included a vibrant 2018 Hensell Rosé, an elegant 2018 Estate White, and a sophisticated 2016 Alluvé Red Blend. While some might consider reviewing wines a “tough job,” I was more than ready for the challenge! Every opinion shared here is authentically my own, bolstered by the enthusiastic insights of my eager taste-testing companions.

Kuhlman Cellars Thanksgiving Trio of Texas Wines

One of the undeniable perks of having adult children is their ability to join in delightful activities like Kitchen Gone Rogue’s wine-testing adventures when they visit home. This past weekend, my daughter and her friend arrived at the most opportune moment. We seized the opportunity to create a festive pre-Thanksgiving snack board, brimming with artisanal cheeses, savory crackers, delightful dips, and cured meats. This spread served as the perfect backdrop for our collective tasting session, allowing us to explore the nuances of each wine in a relaxed and celebratory atmosphere.

Cheers with Kuhlman Cellars White Estate Wine in glasses

The Kuhlman Cellars Story: Crafting Texas Terroir

Before diving into the individual wines, it’s worth noting the philosophy behind Kuhlman Cellars. Located in the picturesque Texas Hill Country, Kuhlman Cellars is deeply committed to producing authentic, high-quality Texas wines that truly reflect the unique terroir of the region. Their dedication extends from meticulous vineyard management to thoughtful winemaking techniques, all aimed at crafting wines that are both distinctive and memorable. They believe in creating wines that are meant to be shared, enhancing meals and conversations alike, making them an ideal choice for holiday celebrations.

Kuhlman Cellars 2018 Hensell Rosé: A Pleasant Surprise

Our tasting journey began with the 2018 Hensell Rosé. As a personal preference, rosé is often the wine variety I gravitate towards the least. Many rosés on the market tend to be either overly sweet for my palate or possess an astringent “bite” that lingers unpleasantly. However, I am thrilled to report that Kuhlman Cellars’ 2018 Hensell Rosé was a truly pleasant surprise – a revelation, in fact. I would not hesitate to enjoy this exquisite wine again for any occasion, holiday or otherwise.

Kuhlman Cellars rose hensell wine with white and red bottles_Kitchen Gone Rogue

All three of us tasters were genuinely captivated by this lovely wine. Upon pouring, its inviting aroma immediately filled the air, hinting at the delightful experience to come. On the palate, it offered a beautifully balanced profile: a moderate level of sweetness that was never cloying, complemented by refreshing fruit notes. The finish was particularly noteworthy—clean, elegant, and devoid of any excessive acidity. It truly left a lasting, positive impression. This rosé proved to be an exceptional partner for our selection of crackers, various dips, and other appetizers, effortlessly enhancing their flavors.

Kuhlman Cellars’ own description of the Hensell Rosé beautifully captures its essence: “The nose is very nice with red berries such as cassis and sweet violet aromas. In the mouth the wine is soft with great roundness in the mid palate and a medium acidity lingering in the finish.” Our tasting experience perfectly aligned with this professional assessment. We detected vibrant notes of strawberry and raspberry, underscored by subtle floral hints that added to its charm. Its crispness and delicate structure make it an ideal choice for the lighter elements of a Thanksgiving spread, such as a fresh cranberry salad, a delicate butternut squash soup, or even alongside the roasted turkey breast. This rosé is also incredibly versatile, making it perfect for year-round enjoyment, whether at a summer picnic or a cozy brunch.

Kuhlman Cellars 2018 Estate White: A Gold Medal Standard

Next on our tasting agenda was the 2018 Kuhlmination Estate White, a wine that truly stands as a testament to Texas winemaking prowess. This remarkable white blend proudly earned a Gold Medal in the prestigious 2018 Lone Star International Wine Competition, an accolade that speaks volumes about its quality. Crafted entirely from the Estate Vineyard, this wine is a harmonious blend of Marsanne and Roussanne grapes, carefully harvested at the end of July 2018 to capture their optimal freshness and vibrancy.

Kuhlman Cellars eloquently describes this wine, noting its inviting aromatics: “Aromas of jasmine flower and fresh white peaches invite the mouthwatering acidity combined with honeysuckle and lemon drop flavors.” Our tasting experience wholeheartedly confirmed this description. The wine presented itself with a brilliant, clear straw-yellow hue. On the nose, delicate floral notes of jasmine intertwined beautifully with the sweet, enticing scent of ripe white peaches. As we sipped, the palate revealed a delightful crispness, balanced by a subtle richness and a refreshing, vibrant acidity. The flavors of honeysuckle and zesty lemon drop emerged distinctly, creating a bright and invigorating sensation that was neither overly sweet nor excessively tart.

This Kuhlmination Estate White proved to be an excellent companion to our savory salty crackers, creamy cheeses, and a variety of other delightful snacks on our board. Its balanced profile and refreshing character make it an exceptional choice for the Thanksgiving table. It will undoubtedly pair perfectly with the star of the meal, roasted turkey, along with an array of traditional side dishes such as cornbread stuffing, green bean casserole, and even glazed carrots. Beyond the holidays, its bright and refreshing qualities also make it a fantastic wine to enjoy during the warmer summer months, perhaps with grilled seafood or a light pasta dish. Its versatility and elegance are truly impressive.

2016 Kuhlman Cellars Alluvé Red Blend: A Velvety Texas Treasure

Finally, we delved into the grand finale of our tasting: the 2016 Kuhlman Cellars proprietary red blend, aptly named Alluvé. This wine is a complex and captivating creation, expertly crafted from a diverse blend of grape varietals. It features 28% Malbec, contributing rich dark fruit and structure; 24% Mourvedre, offering earthy notes and robust tannins; 21% Carignan, adding savory complexity and bright acidity; 12% Tempranillo, bringing a touch of spice and red fruit; 10% Zinfandel, for brambly fruit and a hint of pepper; and a final 5% Petite Sirah, deepening the color and adding intense fruit and tannins.

Kuhlman Cellars describes the Alluvé with evocative language: “With notes of bright red fruit, bramble, anise, and thyme, this light and elegant wine is reflective of the unique Texas Terroir.” Our tasting confirmed that this description truly captures the essence of the wine. Upon pouring, it displayed a beautiful ruby-red hue with inviting clarity. The aroma was rich and multifaceted, with distinct notes of ripe red cherries and plums, intertwined with an intriguing herbal complexity of anise and subtle thyme. A hint of earthy bramble added depth, painting a picture of the rugged Texas landscape from which it originates.

On the palate, the Alluvé was nothing short of magnificent. It struck a perfect balance between its vibrant fruit character and an underlying savory elegance. The wine possessed a medium body, with remarkably smooth, velvety tannins that lent a luxurious mouthfeel. The finish was long, graceful, and remarkably satisfying, leaving behind lingering notes of its red fruit and subtle spice. It’s easy to understand why this has become one of Kuhlman Cellars’ most celebrated red blends – it’s truly a standout. In fact, we absolutely adored this complex, velvety wine, and will certainly be placing an order for a bottle (or perhaps two!) to serve with our Thanksgiving feast. Its robust yet refined character makes it an ideal pairing for heartier side dishes such as rich gravy-laden mashed potatoes, savory sausage stuffing, roasted root vegetables, and even classic pecan or pumpkin pies for dessert.

Kuhlman Cellars Alluve Red Wine Blend Review from Kitchen Gone Rogue

While the Alluvé red is often hailed as an “everyday drinking wine” – a sentiment we agree with, given its approachability – we also believe it transcends this definition. Its depth, elegance, and intricate flavor profile elevate it to a “special occasion drinking wine.” It is, without a doubt, a perfect choice for any holiday celebration, family gathering, or moment when you simply desire something truly exceptional.

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Wine Trio: A Harmonious Selection

The Kuhlman Cellars Thanksgiving wine bundle presents a remarkably versatile and thoughtfully curated selection that promises to elevate any holiday meal. Each wine in the trio brings its own unique character, ensuring there’s a perfect match for every course and every palate.

The bundle includes:

2018 Hensell (rosé) – A delightful, balanced rosé perfect for appetizers and lighter dishes.

2018 Estate White – A crisp, gold-medal-winning white blend ideal for turkey and traditional sides.

2016 Alluvé (red blend) – A complex, velvety red that beautifully complements heartier dishes and desserts.

Together, these three wines offer a complete journey through the flavors of Texas, providing exceptional options from start to finish. This trio is not just a collection of bottles; it’s an invitation to experience the very best of Texas winemaking, carefully selected to complement the rich and diverse flavors of your holiday table. Kuhlman Cellars has truly crafted a bundle that simplifies holiday wine selection without compromising on quality or experience.

Why Choose Kuhlman Cellars for Your Holiday?

Choosing Kuhlman Cellars for your holiday table is more than just selecting wine; it’s an embrace of quality, passion, and the distinct character of Texas winemaking. Their commitment to excellence shines through in every bottle, offering wines that are not only delicious but also tell a story of dedication to the land and the craft. By opting for Kuhlman Cellars, you’re supporting a local winery that consistently delivers award-winning expressions of Texas terroir. These wines are crafted to be approachable yet sophisticated, making them perfect for both seasoned connoisseurs and those new to the world of wine.

Kuhlman Cellars Thanksgiving Wine Review — Pin It for Later!

We hope this comprehensive review has inspired you to explore the delightful wines from Kuhlman Cellars. If you’re planning your holiday menu or simply looking for exceptional wines to enjoy, be sure to pin this review! It’s a handy resource for the next time you’re searching for the perfect pairings for a festive meal or any special occasion. If you decide to try these incredible Texas wines, I would absolutely love to hear your thoughts and experiences!