Chris and Yoli Caldwell didn’t have a wine pedigree when they emerged as a Houston family winery in 2010. But all that changed with the couple’s first entry in the annual Houston Rodeo International Wine Competition in 2011. Having decided to label their Texas wines Eaglefire, the husband and wife won a Gold Medal for their home-grown, locally sourced Muscat Blanc. Who knew that Brenham, a Houston hamlet known more for its Blue Bell ice cream than for its grapes, would produce prize-winning grapes? But Chris Caldwell credits the grapes harvested from Brenham as one reason the Eaglefire Muscat Blanc won the Gold Medal and a crush of fans. Ignited by their early success, Chris and Yoli hosted “Taste the Revolution,” their second public wine tasting Saturday at their Heights family winery and vineyard. Clearly, the dynamic duo didn’t expect the deluge of Eaglefire wine fans. “I didn’t expect more than 100 people,” said Chris, as he waded through a long line of guests, bent on tasting his newly released offerings. The two new releases offered at the free wine tasting were: 2009 Napa Valley Eaglefire Cabernet Sauvignon and 2009 Napa Valley Eaglefire Reserve Blend. Both wines were available for sale at the free tasting. Cabs can be heavy on the tannins, but the Napa Valley Eaglefire was silky and smooth on the tongue, with notes of spice, black berries and smoke. By contrast, the Eaglefire Reserve Blend felt a tinge too heavy. Reserve Blend notes were big on chocolate, wild berries and pinewood. But both exuded deep, dark red hues. The 2010 Eaglefire Blanc du Bois, both those offered at the tasting were interesting. One was a semi-sweet white, while the other was crisp, floral and full of fruit. The semi -sweet wine had notes of melon, peach and honey. The dry white had notes of apple, apricot, green apples and lemons. But while the crisp Blanc du Bois may not be a Spanish Albarino, it’s destined to be a winner. In addition to the free wine tasting, wine lovers toured the winery. The winery is equipped with dozens of French oak barrels. Other wine enthusiasts grazed on Tex-Mex snacks for sale at $5 a plate. Generous helpings of bite-size chocolate muffins and cookies were available for free. The second public wine tasting for Caldwell Family Winery and Vineyard lasted into the evening with a silent auction intended to benefit a local charity. The wine event featured entertainment and door prizes as well. Meanwhile, Chris and Yoli Caldwell remain determined to use their winery and vineyard business to enhance the image of Texas among the states that produce fine quality wines. And judging from their second year as Houston vintners, they are on their way.
