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When
I started making visits to the Texas Hill Country, I really didn’t know a lot
about wine. I had limited experience with different varieties, regions, etc. I
stuck closely to what I knew, which were popular reds (for me that did include
Malbec), and I was leery of too much experimentation. I did want to try new
things, but I was scared. That changed during a visit to Pedernales Cellars when I met Bob
Nascimento (aka the Dude with the Food). Bob was patient and thoughtful,
carefully directing me towards new wines. In fact, Bob made me a white fan by
introducing me to Viognier. Bob does this for all people that find themselves
at the tasting bar. These days, though, he gets to teach them exactly what he wants.
On Saturdays, Bob gets to lead guests through a special reds tasting.
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| Bob on the farmhouse porch |
A Wine Exclusive
Late
last year, Bob had mentioned to me that he would be getting his own tasting
room. These days, Bob makes the house next to the tasting room (the one off to
the right) his special place. Here, Bob serves only reds. These just aren’t any
reds; these are Pedernales’ premiere, reserve reds. This list includes wine
club exclusives, like Block One, or the Family Reserve and Kuhlken Vineyards
Reserve. And best of all, the tasting will generally include library wines and
limited wines. During our visit, we tasted the Newsom Vineyards North Block
2011 (a blend of Cab, Malbec, and Merlot). These sorts of wine are not uncommon
among Pedernales’ vast collection, and with his access, Bob will be changing
out his tasting menu every few weeks. During my recent visit, Bob made a point
of telling me to stop by again soon to see what new treasure he has found.
A Taste for Reds
For
those who know, Bob enjoys dry, complex red wines. When I get a chance to speak
with him, we always talk about that one great red that we started drinking and
found ourselves finishing the bottle without any thought. During my last visit,
Sean was sipping on one of the Family Reserves; Bob told us his recent revisit
with that wine as well as its special place in his own collection. It is these
wines that excite Bob, so of course he would want to focus on the wines that
most interest him.
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| Three Reserve Reds |
Having
a separate red tasting, especially tasting these complex and intense wines,
will allow for a more thorough tasting. A typical tasting, especially one at
Pedernales, is likely to include light whites, like their Vino Blanco, or
sweets such as the Muscats. These wines can disrupt a close examination of
fuller body reds. The scents and flavors present can be so diverse; the shock
to the palate as a person moves from one to another can make it difficult to
appreciate the nuances between different reds, such as the three Tempranillos
currently available at Pedernales. So with this new tasting, Bob can narrow in
on the great reds and take guests on a tour of the complexity hidden in
Pedernales’ red menu.
The
most exciting part of the new tasting is the chance to taste wines that are
either no longer available or are rare. So often, these just aren’t available
to the casual guest. Other times, there is a more expensive tasting – such as
the Saturday library tasting at Becker Vineyards – where guests will get a
chance to taste such wines. Here though, Bob looks for a special wine to add to
his tasting list. When we visited, we got to try a Newsom Vineyard blend, a
wine with few available bottles. UPDATE: He has since changed this out. In the last tasting, Bob emphasized the three reserve Tempranillos and the 2009 Reserve. Bob mentioned that he looks for something
special and unique to make his tasting standout. This one wine may make the
tasting worthwhile.
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| Newsom Vineyard North Block |
A Space of His
Own
To
add to the tasting, the experience is far more intimate than the often busy
tasting room. Bob’s space is small, but it encourages the intimacy he is
looking for in the special tasting. The tasting bar hosts only a few people.
Right now, four are comfortable and six would be a tight squeeze; once the new
bar is put in, six may be a bit more comfortable. UPDATE: Bob has told me that a new bar is being made just for him. It will span the length of the farmhouse, making it easier for Bob. He will be able to provide more room, as well as finally have a register where he can sell the wine and allow guests to pay for their tasting with him (right now all payment is done in the main tasting room).This limited number of guests
allows Bob to provide a dedicated tasting to the guests. And for those who have
had Bob lead their tasting, they know he wants to create a special
experience.
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| The current farmhouse tasting room |
On
Saturday, the tasting room and even the front porch at Pedernales Cellars can
become very busy, very loud, and a bit less fun than one would hope. For those
who want something quieter and more intimate, and of course enjoy red wine,
this is the right tasting. For the same price, a guest can get away from the
bustle and escape to a quiet haven. Bob Nascimento has made it possible for
those seeking something different to experience a special treat while either
slowly pondering each sensation in a red while relaxing at the bar on sipping
on another red treasure on the little house’s front porch.
