Reddy Vineyards, Texas High Plains (Texas) 2017

 Though founded in 1997, Reddy Vineyards’ first wine under their label in was a 2015.  Before then, Reddy sold grapes to other producers, who made medal-winning wines using those grapes.  The story really started in 1971 when Vijay Reddy, a farmer from south India, immigrated to the U.S.  He obtained a doctorate in soil and plant science, all the while continuing to farm.  In 1997, he planted grapes and now has over 300 acres of vineyards growing a bit of everything.  His son, Akhil, has taken the reins at Reddy Vineyards.  The Circle, a field blend of a bit of everything — Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Petite Sirah, Tannat, Sangiovese, Barbera, and Cinsault — manages to work despite the divergent ripening cycle of the different varieties.  The elevation of the vineyard, 3300 feet, mitigates the Texas heat and helps preserve acidity in the grapes and energy in the wine.  It all comes together nicely with juicy red fruit flavors, fine tannins, and a subtle and alluring briary aspect.  Not entirely suave or refined, it is nonetheless delicious and charming.  It would be a good choice for things slathered with BBQ sauce on the grill this summer.