At a glance

Producer

RdV Vineyards

Region

Texas Hill Country, USA

Grape variety

Bordeaux Blend (primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot)

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$150-$250

Tasting profile

Deep dark fruit (blackcurrant, blackberry), cedar, tobacco, graphite, with firm tannins and earthy mineral notes.

Evolution: Will develop complex tertiary notes like leather, forest floor, and dried herbs over the next decade.

At peak: Silky texture combined with nuanced layers of matured fruit and polished tannins.

Structure

Acidity

Moderate to high, providing freshness

Tannins

High, firm and well-structured

Alcohol

14.5% - elevated but balanced

Aging potential

25-30+ years given producer quality and vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2028 to 2038

Optimal window

2025 to 2040

Current status

Approaching early maturity

Current condition

Still robust with firm tannins and developing tertiary aromas

This wine is built in a classic Bordeaux style with ample structure and concentration, supported by a strong vintage (2017) in Texas Hill Country. The tannin and acidity profile supports long cellaring, and the wine improves with bottle age developing complex secondary and tertiary aromas and softer mouthfeel towards its peak from 2028-2038.

Food pairing

Grilled or roasted game meats, beef brisket, lamb with herbs, aged cheeses, and dishes with earthy mushroom sauces.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (1-2 hours) — To soften firm tannins and allow aroma development

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 7/10

The producer employs sustainable viticultural practices such as water conservation via drip irrigation, integrated pest management, and soil conservation. Energy use is moderate with standard winery technologies; packaging uses mainly recyclable glass and minimal plastic.

While no formal certifications are documented, RdV Vineyards shows commitment to sustainability through vineyard management practices aligned with conservation goals, minimizing water and chemical inputs, and utilizing efficient packaging and local distribution channels to reduce carbon footprint.