Here are a few of the most common flaws:

Corked Wine

Corked wine is the most common flaw presented to consumers. As early as a decade ago it was estimated that 10-15% of natural cork was affected by the presence of a compound generated by mold found growing on wood (cork trees) known as Trichloroanisole (TCA). While that percentage has improved in recent years, the problem persists. When the TCA infected cork is in contact with wine it taints the product.

How to indentify: Did you sniff the cork? I’ve handled thousands of corks pulled from intensely flawed bottles only to find that cork smells like…cork. Smell the wine! When opened and in contact with Oxygen the wine will present a dank moldy smell similar to that of moldy wet cardboard or newspaper. The musty characteristic will be found on the palate as well and the fruit will be diminished.

Oxidized Wine

Few wines are meant for long term aging. After time, the exposure to Oxygen begins to degrade the juice creating a chemical breakdown. This applies to wine both opened and unopened.  White wines will appear ‘orange’ in color when too old. Red wines are more conducive to age, and older red wines will take on a ‘brickish’ hue. Opened wines begin the quick descent and begin to show degradation in an average of 3 days.

How to Identify: Examine the color for hints of cloudiness or orange haze. The fruit characteristic of the wine has become unpleasantly sharp much like sucking on a penny or the taste of blood.

Heat Damage

Wine has a delicate constitution and will become flawed if not properly stored. Ideally wines should be stored between 50-60 degrees. Exposure to high temperatures can destroy the composition of a wine in as little as 15 minutes.

How to identify: Liquids expand when heated. The pressure of heated air can cause the cork to begin to push up out of the bottle creating a detectable ‘bump’ between the cork and bottle neck. The cork itself will show veins of wine staining from the bottom. The juice will take on an unpleasant ‘tangy’ note like canned or cooked fruit. It can create a heavy and one dimensional effect to the feel of the wine on the palate.

Trust your instincts, particularly when you are familiar with the wine in question. Enjoy a glass of these exceptional Texas Wines on your next dining adventure. Life is simply too short to drink bad wine.

Grapes built for age:

LOST DRAW CELLARS, ‘DAY OF THE RED’- This Tempranillo blend produced every October to celebrate the Dia De Los Muertos Festival, is both spicy and structured! Stop by for a glass or growler while honoring our loved ones who are no longer with us. $36

RE:ROOTED 210 URBAN WINERY, AGLIANICO-  A southern Italian favorite that grows well in Texas, Aglianico is often referred to as ‘The Barolo of the South’ in Campania where it is most natively from. With a firm tannic backbone and bright silky fruit, this wine is drinkable today or cellar worthy. $38