Dazzling options for every festive occasion, from casual to glamslam-gorgeous.
Lisa Dante
Spend the day with Santa and the legendary Texas Rangers in the picturesque Texas Hill Country.
Bill Dante
A magical trip for the entire family! Ride the “Polar Express” trains from Texas to the North Pole.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
‘Tis the season! Whether it’s a thoughtful note, an act of kindness, or something store bought, check out our hot gift list.
52 A VISIT TO BORDEAUX
Which Bordeaux is the best?
Savy collectors will not tolerate an overpriced wine. Find out which ones to choose for yourself and the wine lovers in your life.
Jim Peterson WINE
CULINARY
69 GEARING UP FOR HOLIDAY HOSTING
Easy, fun food art. Plus, how to dress your holiday table to wow your guests without a big expense.
GARDENING
80 EVERYTHING TO KNOW ABOUT POINSETTIAS
How to properly care for your poinsettia beyond the Christmas season.
Marc Hess
COCKTAIL
89 TEXAN RED HOT SLEIGH
A classic Christmas punch is the most popular holiday drink in America.
THE TEXAN WHO SAVED COWBOY MUSIC
Legendary singer, songwriter and producer, Michael Martin Murphey’s “Cowboy Songs,” now available as a double vinyl album!
He’s known for his genre-defying work and deep connection to the American West, but he is also a true American poet, a recognition bestowed by Rolling Stone and the Texas Institute of Letters.
In 1972, Murphey established himself with the groundbreaking album Geronimo’s Cadillac. The title track, an impassioned protest for Native American rights, was banned in U.S. cities due to its controversial subject matter. Despite the pushback, the song became a hit, earning praise from Rolling Stone and The London Times. This album positioned Murphey as a founding figure of the Outlaw Country Movement in Austin, Texas, setting the stage for Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jerry Jeff Walker.
His 1975 album, “Blue Sky - Night Thunder,” recorded at the legendary Caribou Ranch in Colorado, blended jazz, pop, country, western, folk, and bluegrass to create the Americana sound. This genre-busting album, highlighted by the timeless hit “Wildfire,” solidified his reputation as the “Cosmic Cowboy,” known for his poetic lyrics and his desire to trailblaze his own path. By the 1980s, Murphey successfully crossed over into mainstream country music, scoring a series of hits that established him as a major player. However, he felt a strong pull to return to his cowboy roots. His participation in the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, reignited his passion for Western culture, and this inspiration led to one of his most significant achievements: the release of “Cowboy Songs” in 1990. This landmark album celebrated cowboy culture with authenticity and reverence. Critics and fans alike hailed the album as a masterpiece!
Jack Hurst of the Chicago Tribune called it “not only one of the finest albums of [the] year but also one of the finest of the last decade.” He praised its 22 tracks as “a labor of not only love but also scholarship,” noting how the album raised cowboy music “to the level of mainstream art.” The success of “Cowboy Songs” sparked a series of seven albums dedicated to cowboy culture, cementing Murphey’s role as the torchbearer for Western music. Today, Murphey’s contributions to American music continue to be celebrated. His influence was officially recognized when he was inducted into the National Cowboy Hall of Fame with a Lifetime Achievement Award, an honor that highlights his enduring role as the “Cosmic Cowboy” who revived and revolutionized the sound of the American West. In the world of Pop, Country, and Western music, Murphey remains a pivotal figure whose work has not only preserved but also elevated the cowboy tradition to new heights.
His “Cowboy Songs” album, available at michaelmartinmurphey.com stands as a testament to his artistic vision and lasting legacy.
“As always, Joshua Creek Ranch provides a wonderful, challenging hunting experience. The dedication to client services is second to none. We have been making at least one trip here for the last six years. The dogs and guides are outstanding. The accommodations and dining are excellent.”
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As we enter the festive season, I want to wish you the most joyous of holidays and offer my deepest gratitude to everyone who makes Texan Magazine a success. The incredible staff, the talented writers, the loyal readers and our amazing advertisers all make the dream work. Whether you love the holidays or not, I think we all tend to put extra pressure on ourselves this time of year.
In this issue, you’ll find some easy and simple ideas on how to elevate your holiday game with very little effort and maybe, just maybe start some new holiday traditions. While this time of year may mean different things to different people, sometimes it’s about memories, but it can also be about new beginnings. Even though it is definitely better to give than receive, I think self-care is still important.
With all of the festivities happening this season, the question for many is always, “What to wear?” In our fashion pages you will find some very unlikely combinations that are not only comfortable but fit the season in perfect style. Looking for sequined jeans? Check out Billy’s Western Wear and the adorable shop, Daisy Pearl, both in Boerne, Texas. How about some exquisite gems? Borrego Fine Jewelry has the most helpful and friendly staff…..and did I mention the jewels?
To all of our readers and advertisers, thank you again for your support. All of us here at Texan Magazine sincerely wish you the merriest everything, full of love and joy. We wish you a very Happy New Year and a bright and prosperous 2025.
May you have a very blessed holiday season!
Lisa Dante Editor-In-Chief
VERSATILE LOOKS FOR HOLIDAY DRESSING
by LISA DANTE
The holiday season is here! And with it comes a long list of parties, festivities and to-do lists. With a little inspiration, your holiday wardrobe can be full of effortless choices. It’s time to savor the season to sparkle! Of course classic dressing never goes out of style. But each and every year, the changing fashion season seems to come with a little extra twist. No matter what looks you prefer, there are dazzling options for everyone.
TEXAN FASHION
CASUAL TULLE
Upon hearing the words “tulle skirt,” you’re probably thinking poofy ball gowns and ballerina tutus. The truth is, tulle is incredibly versatile and has the possibility of veering more casual than you may expect.
For me, the first thing that comes to mind is Carrie Bradshaw’s signature tulle skirt in the opening montage of the iconic series, “Sex and the City.” For holiday 2024, designers are reinventing the look by pairing it with oversized, super soft, cable knit sweaters with voluminous sleeves. I think the key here is the emphasis on oversized. Of course you could wear a fitted tank top with a tulle skirt, but pairing the look with an oversized sweater just has a more modern look and feel to it. The color options are endless and footwear choices are completely up to you. Suggestion: An ankle boot would be fabulous.
TEXAN FASHION
TEXAN FASHION
CRUSHING ON VELVET
Rich textural pieces ooze glamour. The cloth is renowned for its soft feel and distinctive sheen, which makes it the first choice for evening or cocktail dresses, suits, jackets and other pieces of luxury clothing. Think bodycon dresses and sharp velvet blazers paired with flared pants. Velvet can be worn again and again, from a Thanksgiving dinner to Christmas party dressing. There is no doubt that velvet exudes confidence, elegance and charm. If sequins are the disco ball attention seeker, then velvet is the smooth, sensual counterpart. Plus, it’s supremely warm and cozy. As luxe as velvet is, it’s versatile enough to wear every day. The holiday/winter runways featured jewel-toned velvet coats paired with hoodies, flannel shirts and untucked layers.
TEXAN FASHION
TEXAN FASHION
When you feel good, you’ll look good, and that’s what party dressing is all about. So, embrace the sparkle within, exude confidence, and get ready to shine this holiday season, because there is something about dressing like a sparkly ornament this time of year that just feels right. Of course you can dress in head to toe sparkles or maybe just throw on a few sequin accessories. Do you want to know a secret? For a simple yet show stopping party look, any sequin outfit will hit that mark.
TEXAN FASHION
TEXAN FASHION
TEXAN FASHION
Can you wear sequins on a regular day?
Of course! If you’re attending a more casual gathering, you can still incorporate sequins into your outfit without looking overdressed. It’s the rule of juxtaposition. What? Well, let me explain. Opposites attract. Pairing sparkly, shiny, sequined pieces with more casual, rugged items, like jeans, sneakers or a tee, makes fancy items, less fancy. And conversely, it also ups the dressy factor of the jeans, sneakers or tee, allowing these garments to feel more elevated.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun with your outfit choices. After all, one of the many reasons we partake in the holiday season is all about celebrating and embracing the joy of dressing up.
Wishing you and your family many blessings this holiday season!
COME VISIT WITH SANTA AND THE TEXAS RANGERS!
by BILL DANTE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD FORMER TEXAS RANGERS FOUNDATION
FREE EVENT!
SATURDAY
DECEMBER 7, 2024
2PM - 4:30PM
TEXAS RANGERS
HERITAGE CENTER
AT FORT MARTIN SCOTT
1618 E. MAIN ST.
FREDERICKSBURG, TEXAS
How many of you are excited and looking forward to standing in really, really, long lines to see Santa Claus? Nobody, right? Maybe you are fortunate enough to reserve a time at the mall but when you arrive, your name is not on the list. Well, I have good news for you on how to avoid all of that!
The Texas Rangers Heritage Center in Fredericksburg has arranged for Santa Claus to be at the Heritage Center on Saturday December the 3rd starting at two and ending at four thirty on Highway 290 in Fredericksburg.
The Heritage Center, includes Phase I, which is twelve acres of outdoor fun in the Texas Hill Country and in addition, another twelve acres, right next door, at the historic Fort Martin Scott. It’s a living history pioneer town that welcomes hundreds of visitors every year…. and it’s free! That’s a lot of land, a lot of Texas history and lots of fresh air for some holiday fall festivities. You will also have the opportunity to ride in a horse drawn western wagon.
The legendary Texas Rangers will be there to meet, shake hands and visit with you and your family. The Texas Rangers will be available for pictures and will be swearing in boys and girls as Junior Texas Rangers. This is so much more than just a holiday gathering.
Children being sworn in as Junior Texas Rangers by actual Texas Rangers
The annual event has best been described as being right out of a Hallmark movie! Where’s Santa? He will be inside a huge 350 seat open air, covered pavilion. As you enter, you will be greeted by Santa’s helpers and a forrest of decorated and illuminated, beautiful Christmas trees surrounded by a wonderland of holiday ornaments and lights.
Come see and meet Santa Claus, his elves, Texas Rangers and chow down on FREE hotdogs, cookies and hot apple cider.
This is what Christmas memories are made of with you and your family and the Texas Rangers. It’s also an opportunity to experience Texas history with a fully restored pioneer wagon. It’s just like our forefathers used when they first laid eyes on the rolling hills surrounding Fredericksburg. The site includes a Texas Ranger Ring of Honor with a 30-foot simulation of a Texas Ranger badge which memorializes Texas Rangers who lost their lives in the line of duty. Phase I also includes a Campanile (bell tower) and a Lone Star Stories Campfire Ring. You will also see stunning, life size, bronze sculptures throughout the property. The beautiful pavilion also has a full catering kitchen to handle special events like weddings and galas.
TEXAS POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN ALL ABOARD THE
by BILL DANTE
TEXAN EVENTS
It has become a Christmas movie classic! “The Polar Express,”released in 2004, is an animated film about a young boy who embarks on a magical adventure to the North Pole by train while learning about friendship, bravery and the spirit of Christmas.
Did you know that during the holiday season in Texas there are several Polar Express trains around the state that you and your family can actually ride? Ready? Close your eyes and think about the very first train you ever saw. Whether you remember the first one you saw or even played with as a child, it doesn’t matter. What matters is it was a magical moment!
I remember when I was four years old and my dad, an electrician, and model-train hobbyist built a Christmas village train platform in our tiny living room and I saw my first Lionel train!
The Polar Express Christmas trains in Texas will bring back your own first train moment or perhaps introduce your family members to their own magical memories. It will be an adventure to remember!
There are four convenient locations in Texas and some have different departure dates, because Santa obviously can’t be on every train at the same time.
Let’s start in the southeast section of the state.
GALVESTON RAILROAD MUSEUM
November 8 – December 23, 2024
The dates fill up fast, so don’t wait to make your reservation! Allow for two hours for this Polar Express train adventure. There is something big and majestic hearing and seeing the locomotive steam engine pull into the station. Once on the train, (which does leave the station), you are whisked away to the North Pole! There, Santa is waiting with elves to play and dance with. You will get to meet many characters from the film including the conductor, the singing chefs, the hobo, and of course the main man himself, Santa Claus! You and your family will experience a fun filled theatrical journey, you may even tangle with caribou as the story unfolds.
Adding to the Polar Express is the city of Galveston turning into a wonderful winter wonderland. For more information, check out, galvestonrrmuseum.com
GRAPEVINE - SANTA’S NORTH POLE EXPRESS
November 29 - December 30, 2024
Located, kind of between Dallas and Fort Worth, Grapevine calls themselves “The Christmas Capitol of Texas.” Besides Santa’s North Pole Express, the city says the have 1,400 holiday events in 40 days! Too many to even start to list.
Climb aboard the train with its vintage luxury 1920s coaches. Be ready for lots of singing and laughter with theatrical groups that make it one of those train rides you will remember! Of course there is Santa who joins in with lots of surprises for all ages. Oh wait, there is also a separate holiday Thomas The Train excursion.
Wow! Just thinking about Thomas The Train makes me remember lots of good family times.
grapevinetexasusa.com
TEXAN EVENTS
AUSTIN - NORTH POLE FLYER
Bertram Depot
November 30 – December 15, 2024
We all love day trips to the Texas Hill Country. ALL ABOARD!! The North Pole Flyer is where you will be greeted by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Together they will help you check your list! In addition there are homemade Christmas cookies, lots of holiday cheer, hot chocolate and a gift for everyone.
You might want to check out the best departure station for you. There is Bertram, Burnet and Cedar Park austinsteamtrain.org
TEXAN EVENTS
PALESTINE - POLAR EXPRESS
November 15- December 28, 2024
Let’s choo choo over to east Texas to the city of Palestine. The entire ride is based on the children’s book. It’s one of our all time family books to read. Plus a very Christmas atmosphere awaits you, with cookies and hot chocolate served to you by dancing chefs. (They are really elves dressed as chefs but don’t act like you know). Even Santa, who will be there, acts like he doesn’t know they’re elves. So much fun!
There will be characters from the movie, a read along with the Polar Express book, a sing along of all your favorite Christmas carols. Oh, I forgot to mention upon your arrival at the North Pole, Santa, jolly old saint Nick, will give all the kids a special magical “Silver Sleigh Bell.” Your friends will be so jealous. texasstaterailroad.net
MORE CHRISTMAS MAGIC AROUND THE STATE
San Antonio River Walk
Of course there are many, many other holiday events and activities going on around the state. San Antonio’s River Walk comes alive with thousands and thousands of lights starting the day after Thanksgiving.
But speaking of trains, don’t miss a short walk to Sunset Station, right behind The Alamo. You’ll find a real steam engine all decorated in hundreds of colorful twinkling lights, which makes for a great family picture.
TEXAN EVENTS
JEFFERSON,
TEXAS “The Atalanta”
Another decorated train to see is in Jefferson, Texas, just northeast of Tyler.The Atalanta, (that’s ATA- LANTA), train cars were built in 1866 by the railroad baron, Jason Gould. The spectacular main car is 88 feet long and 11 feet wide with 4 staterooms a lounge and even a kitchen. The decorations make it look like it’s right out of a spectacular Christmas movie. For tickets and more info: theexcelsiorhouse.com
Well, there’s lots to see and do! No matter what part of the great state of Texas you find yourself in, have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year from our family to yours!!
THE HOT LIST
TEXAN SHOPPING
Ooni Koda 12” Pizza Maker
$300
Pizza has to be one of the most popular foods everywhere and it’s so easy to share with everyone. Now you can bring the pizzeria to your backyard with this portable outdoor pizza oven. It weighs only 20 lbs and fits outside in almost any space. Plus, you can purchase a carrying case to take over to your friends. It runs on propane and comes with a few items like a Cordierite stone baking board, has a gas regulator and a hose to hook it up. It says you can bake a great pizza in 2-3 minutes! After searching around, we found the best price for this brand and model to be around $300. There are many deals to be found online.
Get ready for lots of family holiday fun. Buon Appetito!
TEXAN SHOPPING
Samsung- 55” Class LSO3D The Frame Series QLED 4K $1,100
This lifestyle TV helps you curate your own gallery with works of art or personal photos. Transform your QLED TV into your own art exhibit.
This is a great gift for the entire family. Included, is Alexa with Smart Home, music, weather and lots more. Modern art or classic art replaces the black screen with bright, real colors that comes close to the original painting. You can even use your own photos. Prices have dropped for the holidays to around $900. But you can find the Hisense TV offering a 65 inch screen with art mode for $1,100. But you might be sacrificing quality for the size.
Either way, a great Christmas present for your entire family.
TEXAN SHOPPING
Bose “Quiet Comfort” Earbuds/ Headphones
$200
When it comes to the name Bose, if you’re the one unwrapping the gift, you know it’s going to be the best. Bose “Quiet Comfort” earbuds create an immersive audio experience that will mesmerize you in sound quality. What a wonderful present to find under the tree! Even a surprise gift from Santa to yourself.
Imagine world class noise cancelation. The new 2024 “Quiet Comfort” also has a partner if you have the extra dollars. The Bose Headphones, Color Diamond 60th Edition, makes a wonderful combination. An incredible listening experience with plateless ear cushions, minimal clamping force and luxuriously plush synthetic leather. After hours of listening you’ll forget you have them on. For the very best! Price range is about $200-$300 depending on where you shop.
TEXAN SHOPPING
Pure Clean Single Touch
Towel and Blanket Warmer
Under $100
Any family member would be spoiled with this luxury. This is the perfect gift to take the cold chill off the air during the Christmas season.
Guests staying over… it’s perfect! Imagine a warm towel to wrap yourself up in, stepping out of a fresh shower, soothing bath, or maybe outside in a hot tub or even a heated swimming pool.
Holidays mean cooler or colder weather has arrived. Now you have multiple pre-heated towels, maybe a heated blanket, warm bath robe to snuggle up in and watch TV. It’s the perfect gift under $100
and several different brands can be found on Amazon. One towel warmer actually has a temperature setting with single touch controls that range from 40- 70 degrees. All have timers with auto turn off.
It’s a great gift idea for that “hard to buy for” person. It’s compact, space saving, portable and has heat resistant materials. It weighs about 11 pounds so you can easily move it around inside or outside. Oh...one thing to note, the material needs to be natural, like cotton. The capacity is two large or 4 medium sized bath towels.
Stay warm for the holidays.
WINE
A VISIT TO BORDEAUX
TASTING CLASSIC FRENCH WINES FOR SPECIAL HOLIDAY GIFT GIVING AND BEYOND
JOYEUX NOËL!
by JIM PETERSON, WINE ENTHUSIAST & INSTAGRAM WINE INFLUENCER
France’s Bordeaux wine region is by far the world’s largest producer of fine wines. At the top level in Bordeaux, wines classified as Grand Cru Classé, are undeniably some of the best wines in the world and are a part of this elite group. What’s so astonishing is that it has been this way for a few hundred years. Thomas Jefferson visited Bordeaux in 1787, annotating his favorite wines in his journal. He mentioned Château Margaux and Château Haut Brion, and they are still two of the best wines in Bordeaux today.
How do you know which Bordeaux are the best? At first glance, you would think they made it easy for you with the classified growth system. Starting with the best in quality, they identified First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growth wines. There are only five First Growth estates (the best), 14 Second Growth, 14 Third Growth, 10 Fourth Growth, and 18 Fifth Growth. With only 61
estates chosen out of about 600 total in the Médoc, to make the list is impressive. The problem? With minor exceptions, that ranking hasn’t changed since 1855. Plus, that ranking did not include the key appellations of Pomerol, Saint Émilion, and Graves.
A lot can change in 175 years, but one fact remains: Savvy collectors will not tolerate an overpriced wine, so market prices are still a helpful guide to quality.
I love Bordeaux. I collect Bordeaux.
I have wanted to visit for years. The estates I visited hold great memories for me – special tastings, celebrations, and unique dinners. My trip to Bordeaux only heightened those memories. Join me as I toured, tasted, and experienced the rich history that makes Bordeaux wine so special. With the holidays approaching, learning about some of my favorites below can help make choosing a gift for the wine lover in your life a little easier.
CHÂTEAU LA MISSION HAUT BRION, GRAVES
La Mission Haut Brion is across the street from Château Haut Brion, and both Château have the same owner. La Mission, as the name suggests, was a Catholic Mission at one point. As with many other sites in France, tending vineyards and making wine was a key part of the priestly vocation. Given the proximity to Haut Brion, and since the winemaking process is the same for both estates, you would think the two wines would be almost identical. In fact, they are quite different.
In the wine collecting world there is a sort of longstanding “argument” over which of these two wines is the best. La Mission wines are so good that many consider it an unofficial First Growth. I was lucky to try the 2017 vintage of both wines side by side to compare. They were both magnificent, so please don’t ask me to choose! These are bucket list wines for many wine lovers, and it’s easy to see why.
CHÂTEAU CARBONNIEUX, PESSAC-LÉOGNAN
On that same trip to Bordeaux in 1787, Thomas Jefferson also visited Château Carbonnieux. Why? They were well known for their white Bordeaux wine, and he wanted to taste the best. The name originates from a family named “Carbonius” who cleared and cultivated the land near the village of Léognan in the 1200s. Benedictine monks tended the property (as Jefferson noted in his journal entry), but the church influence was permanently lost in 1791 after the French Revolution. More recently, the estate was bought by the Perrin family in 1956, and some of the family still live in the Château.
My own history with Château Carbonnieux started when I tasted the 1995 vintage. It has been my go-to white Bordeaux ever since. Their classic blend is 60% Sauvignon Blanc and 40% Semillon. I occasionally revisit older vintages from my cellar because these white wines age well. I enjoyed retasting the 2017 and getting a first taste of the 2022 (just now being released in America). My insider tip: The 2022 is a stellar vintage for the Carbonnieux Blanc, so make sure it’s on your list to try.
TEXAN WINE
CHÂTEAU ANGELUS, SAINT ÉMILION
I spent one day in the region of Saint Émilion. If you are Catholic, you may be familiar with the Angelus prayer. Historically, it was recited at 6 AM, noon, and 6 PM. Many churches would ring bells to announce the prayer, and the Saint Émilion bells produced a resounding echo in the nearby amphitheater-shaped vineyard at Château Angelus. The Château name and the iconic bell on the label were born from this.
Famille de Boüard de Laforest has owned the property since 1872. In 2012, the 8th generation leader, Stephanie de Boüard-Rivoal, took over from her father. I tasted the 2016 vintage, the first to express Stephanie’s approach for Angelus. It is a blockbuster. The Angelus wines are typically made from 60% Merlot and 40% Cabernet Franc. They are age worthy. You can also look for their second wine, Carillon d’Angelus. Simply put, Angelus is a premium Bordeaux.
CHÂTEAU FIGEAC, SAINT ÉMILION
The second Saint Émilion winery I visited was Château Figeac. Over the years I have been lucky to try the 1970, 1982, 1986, 1988, and 1989 vintages of Figeac. The Manoncourt family has owned this property for nearly 130 years. The recently refurbished winemaking facility has an amazing array of vats for precision vinification of the best plots. The final blend is still a decision made by the Manoncourt family after several weeks of deliberation “...drawing on our detailed knowledge of the terroir and the history of previous vintages and guided by our immense respect for the Figeac style and its consistency over time.”
Knowing I had tasted so many older vintages, I was served the classic 2009 Figeac. At 15 years old, this wine was stunning. For Figeac, the typical blend is equal parts Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. Like many young Figeac, it’s beautiful now but will still be great in 15-30 years.
CHÂTEAU BRANE-CANTENAC, MARGAUX
Brane-Cantenac was my first visit in the Médoc part of Bordeaux. While it was a Second Growth in the 1855 classification, its reputation lapsed in the early 1900s. The Lurton family restored it after they purchased the property in 1922. Now led by Henri Lurton, Brane-Cantenac is making some of its best wines ever. It was quite special to be led around the winemaking operation by Henri as he discussed his philosophy and showed me their modernization efforts.
We tasted four wines, including their Blanc (almost never seen in the US due to its scarcity). Their new entry level wine, Margaux de Brane, is a terrific wine for Bordeaux beginners. Tasting the 2016 vintage of their second wine, Baron de Brane, alongside the 2016 grand vin, intrigued me greatly. I have long desired to do the same with the 2000 vintage in my cellar. Brane-Cantenac is a solid value and ages beautifully. While Henri said the 2016 we tasted was the best they had ever made, he thinks the 2022 may be better. Collectors take note!
Writer, Jim Peterson and Henri Lurton, owner of Château Brane-Cantenac in Margaux
TEXAN WINE
CHÂTEAU CALON SÉGUR, SAINT ÉSTEPHE
The 1996 Calon Ségur was the first wine I ever collected, so I knew in my heart I had to make a visit. The heart! Calon Ségur, a Third Growth, is most recognizable for its iconic heart shape on the label. It was inspired by a quote from the Marquis de Ségur, called “Prince of Vines” because he owned several renowned Bordeaux properties. He famously said, “I make wine at Lafite and Latour, but my heart is in Calon.”
Here we tasted a horizontal of 2015 wines, including the grand vin Calon Ségur, the Le Marquis de Calon Ségur (second wine), and another St. Éstephe wine, Château Capbern, a smaller estate also owned by the same company. Some of my favorite wine memories involve tasting multiple vintages of Calon Ségur like the 1982, 1989, 1990, 1996, and 2000. No doubt there will be more great memories as I continue to pull bottles from my cellar.
CHÂTEAU LAGRANGE, SAINT JULIEN
Instagram can create some unique “wine friendships.” When I posted about tasting older Lagrange, it resulted in exchanges with the winery. Little did I know that it was the head winemaker, Matthieu Bordes, responding to me! He personally invited me to visit Château Lagrange. As we toured, he aptly demonstrated his precision methods and decision-making process to make the best wine possible. When I arrived in the tasting room, Matthieu opened the wine cellar and asked, “So which vintages would you like to taste?” We ended up with the 2004, 2010, and 2016 Lagrange. He also added the outstanding 2009 Les Fiefs de Lagrange (second wine). The 2010 and 2016 Lagrange are amazing wines. Luckily, I have a few! Under Matthieu’s exacting leadership, I’m not sure you will find a better value collectible Third Growth Bordeaux than Château Lagrange.
Matthieu Bordes
CHÂTEAU DUCRU-BEAU-
CAILLOU, SAINT JULIEN
I have tasted a lot of the Ducru wines, including the legendary 1961. The noted British wine expert, Clive Coates, called Ducru-Beaucaillou “the quintessential claret.” The Château is named after Bertrand Ducru, the owner after the French Revolution. For a while it was “Maucaillou” because the caillou (stones) were mauvais (bad). The stony ground was hard to cultivate, but it was suited for grape vines. When the wine turned out so well, it was changed to “Beaucaillou” meaning fine or beautiful stones. By the time of the 1855 classification, the reputation of DucruBeaucaillou earned it a Second Growth rating. The Borie family purchased the estate in 1941, and Bruno-Eugéne Borie now leads it. The wine lineup has changed the past few years. An entry level wine, Madame de Beaucaillou, was added to honor Bruno’s mother. What used to be “Château Lalande-Borie” wine, another Borie property, was changed to Le Petit Ducru. I tasted the 2020 vintages of those two wines, along with the 2017 La Croix Ducru-Beaucaillou (the second wine), and the 2017 and 2006 Ducru-Beaucaillou. The 2017 stole the show, but I greatly enjoyed them all.
TEXAN WINE
BORDEAUX RECOMMENDATIONS & ADVICE
If you are new to wine collecting, or you are looking to add some Bordeaux to your collection, my Bordeaux rule is simple. Stick to the classified growths from the main appellations of Margaux, Pauillac, Saint Julien, Saint Éstephe, and Saint Émilion. Pomerol does not classify their wines, but many are exceptional. Some Bordeaux is exorbitantly priced, but there are good values to be found in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Growth categories.
The 2020 and 2022 vintages are stellar. Some Bordeaux favorites under $100 in my collection include: Château Prieure-Lichine, Château d’Armailhac, Château Grand-Puy-Lacoste, Château Lafon-Rochet, and Château La Lagune.
Acknowledgments: I offer profound gratitude to all the estates for their overwhelming hospitality. I owe special thanks to Daria Kossowska and Misa Imports for arranging my visits to Angelus, Figeac, and Ducru Beaucaillou. I am truly blessed.
Jim Peterson is a retired U.S. Air Force officer who mainly flew the A-10 fighter jet. He has ties to the wine business going back over 20 years and is an avid wine collector. His extensive wine knowledge includes travel to many wine regions, tasting many of the world’s top wines, and ongoing personal wine exploration. He has cultivated a large following on his Instagram account, @tx_wine_pilot. He now offers customized in-home wine tastings in South Texas. Visit txwinepilot.com to learn more.
GEARING UP FOR
HOLIDAY HOSTING
Setting a holiday table doesn’t have to be a daunting task or require a lot of time and money. Sure you could order an expensive floral centerpiece and be done with it. But there are many other ways to dress your holiday table with items you already have in your home. Sometimes, all you need is a little inspiration.
Tips:
• Choose a theme: Select a theme that matches your living space.
• Pick a color scheme: A simple color palette is best.
• Don’t forget the candles: They create a warm and inviting ambiance.
• Add details: Runners, tablecloths and placemats add a nice touch.
• Be creative: Have fun with things you have around the house that you have collected.
TEXAN CULINARY
TEXAN CULINARY
TEXAN CULINARY
SUPER FUN AND EASY FOOD ART FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Looking for a fun and enjoyable holiday tradition to start with your kids? With food art, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started. Use these images for inspiration, but feel free to let your kids get creative with their own designs and tasty masterpieces!
TEXAN CULINARY
TEXAN CULINARY
POINSETTIAS
by MARC HESS, EDITOR, “GARDENING SOUTH TEXAS,” NEWSLETTER
While red is the traditional color, hybridizers have expanded the range of colors so that you can now find poinsettias that are pastel yellow, variegated white and pink as well as vibrant bi-colors.
Nothing welcomes the holidays like poinsettias, a tropical winter blooming plant that has become the center piece for our holiday celebrations. What did it, was the blazing red color of the large bracts that drape over the rich green leaves. The poinsettia flowers are small, green or yellow, and grow inconspicuously in the center of each leaf bunch. Oddly enough the larger the plant the smaller the flowers. While red is the traditional color, hybridizers have expanded the range of colors so that you can now find poinsettias that are pastel yellow, variegated white and pink as well as vibrant bi-colors.
TEXAN GARDENING
Decorating with Poinsettias
Poinsettias make a holiday gift because they work so well in every holiday decorating opportunity. With a shiny decorative wrap around the pot, a large ribbon, or a holiday themed planter, a live poinsettia plant will assure your welcome to any holiday event. They bring cheer to every occasion; the dinner party, the office, the church group and even the dorm room.
• For a dramatic center piece simply leave three plants in their pots with their decorative wrap and group them together inside a lager container. Snip pieces of evergreen foliage from your Christmas tree or wreaths and place them inside the container so they spill over the sides.
• For a more decorative effect you can drop a few Christmas ornaments of various sizes into a transparent container—either glass or wired—and place a four-inch poinsettia in the center. Use the ornaments to disguised the pot and let the colorful bracts burst from the opening at the top.
• You can use a similar idea to create smaller poinsettia place settings by filling the bottom third of a small jar with decorative glass beads or rocks. Fill the jar with water and place one or two bracts in the center of the jar. Attach a clipped safety pin or paperclip to the back side of a name card and slide the other prong into the center of the poinsettia bract for a lovely place setting.
• If you have a craftier hand you can clean out several wine bottles and bind them together with wire, twine or supple grapevine. Using a funnel fill each bottle to the base of the neck with water. Cut the poinsettias bracts with long stems (seven to eight inches), be sure to trim away the green leaves, and place the stems in the wine bottles.
• Add some whimsy to your holiday with a rain boot poinsettia arrangement. Finds some rubber rain boots and fill them with soil up to about six inches from the top of the boots. Gently loosed up the root ball of the poinsettias and plant them in the boot. Add more soil if needed and water the plants lightly every couple of days. These rainboot poinsettias will add some flair to your entryway.
TEXAN GARDENING
Caring for Your Poinsettias
You can expect the poinsettia plant that you get for the holiday season to stay attractive for three to four months with proper care. But these finicky short-day plants require some specific care to retain their Christmas color.
• When selecting your poinsettia at the nursery look for bushy plants with full open bracts that extend over the lower green leaves. You’ll need to select plants that are removed from the sleeves that they are shipped in. Also take a look at the green leaves under the bracts. If there are any insects—primarily white flies- you may find them underneath the lower leaves.
• Never let your poinsettia dry out to the point of wilt. Water your plant well when the surface soil is dry to the touch—usually once a week. Then place a few ice cubes in the container every day to maintain the moisture. Be careful not to overwater.
• You can expect wonderful color from your poinsettia if they are placed where they can catch at least six hours of good light from a window but not direct sunlight. Do not allow the plant to touch the glass.
• Poinsettia are semitropical and don’t like the cold or rapid changes in temperatures. Do not display your poinsettia in a spot where cold air will contact the plant. Even for the brief time when you are carrying your plant home from the nursery protect it from air that is below freezing. Do not leave your poinsettias in entrance areas or any other location that is less than 40° and do not display them in a spot where cold air will contact the plant when a door is open.
• Poinsettias don’t like hot dry air, either. Keep them away from hot air registers or a west-facing window where warm air may accumulate in the afternoon. Dry air will reduce the attractiveness of your poinsettia.
• Fertilizing poinsettia plants is never a good idea when they are still in bloom.
These poinsettia care guidelines will sustain your poinsettia bloom for three or four months. You can move your poinsettias out from their ideal growing locations to meet the decorating needs of your family gatherings or when you have guests. When your party is over and your visitors have left, you can move your plant back to a better location. And don’t worry about that old wives tale that poinsettias are more poisonous than other plants. They’re not. When the holiday season is well behind you, the Christmas decorations are back in storage and you are well into the New Year and planning your spring flower beds the bracts will lose their color and fall from the plant. It is difficult to get poinsettias to rebloom indoors. Fortunately, in South Texas, poinsettias can be planted directly outdoors in the spring after the danger of frost has past. If properly cared for outdoors, your poinsettias will make a beautiful plant for your next holiday season.
TEXAN GARDENING
Transplanting Your Poinsettia Outdoors
In South Texas, you can re-plant your poinsettia outdoors in a sheltered location and if you protect it from the cold it will reward you with reblooms for many years. When the plant in your house declines in the spring, cut the stems back to six or eight inches and place it in a container, five-gallons or larger. A sheltered location in morning sun is ideal. Be sure to water it through the summer and protect it from the cold every winter.
In the summer when you see new growth, begin feeding every two weeks or so with a balanced organic fertilized. Pinch back the stems as they grow to encourage branching until September.
Poinsettias bloom in response to shorter days. For about eight to ten weeks prior to the desired bloom time put your poinsettia in complete darkness for twelve to fifteen hours each day. In this period your poinsettia would like to have at least six hours of sunlight. Water and feed it as usual. When you see the tiny flowers budding in the center of each leaf bunch your poinsettia is ready for its holiday debut. Continue watering but stop feeding until spring. This is your poinsettias time to shine.
MARC HESS is an author whose latest novel, “The Gillespie County Fair,” is available on Amazon. It’s a riveting story about the gentrification of rural Texas. He is also the editor of Milberger’s Gardening South Texas newsletter, a monthly (except January) publication covering the challenges and solutions of gardening in South Central Texas’s unique growing zone. It’s available on-line at no charge at https://www.milbergernursery.com/newsletter-archive/
TEXAN RED HOT SLEIGH
Guaranteed to make your nose glow. Works great in a punch bowl for holiday parties.
INGREDIENTS FOR A LARGE BATCH:
• 2 ½ cups cranberry juice
• 1 cup pomegranate juice
• 2 ½ cups orange juice
• 2 cups lemon-lime soda
• 2 cups silver tequila OR Champagne OR Prosecco
• 1 cup maraschino cherries with juice
• ¼ cup lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• Ice cubes
• Fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Option: If making individual servings, toss in a few red hot candies and coat the rim of the glass with lime juice and dip in peppermint sugar.
INSTRUCTIONS:
In a large pitcher, combine the cranberry juice, pomegranate, orange and lemon juice and the maraschino cherry juice.
Stir everything well until fully combined.
Add the soda and alcohol of your choice just prior to serving to keep the bubbles fresh.
Taste what refreshing truly means! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
