Savor
this wonderful estate Hill Country sourced fruit and relish the magical flavors
that Mason County grapes can provide. Amber color, apple aromas, and tropical
fruit notes...this all-round refreshing jewel is just filled with luscious
mouthfeel to excite your senses. This white wine leans towards the bold side,
so it is lovely on its own, but simply divine paired with your favorite fish,
poultry, or vegetarian dish. The acids
balance out quite nicely, as well. Enjoy!
Aged 18 months via Sur Lie, this brut blend of 55%
Chardonnay and 45% Pinot Noir greets you with a zesty lemon scent and leaves
you with a nice crispness. It pours a pale straw color with notes of pear and
apricot. Repeat the sipping experience
again and you’ll notice some mango along with a touch of grapefruit in there,
too. This sparkling wine is a satisfying treat to have any day, any time.
Cheers!
This
is certainly one of the best estate Merlots Dan has crafted. Having been barrel
aged for a whopping 52 months is a testament to his patience in wine
making. If you want the ultimate tasting
experience, besides tasting at the winery, let this baby breathe for a good 90
minutes and try a few sips while you wait. Clocking in at 14.0 abv, this Mason
County fruit boasts some mighty fine bright cherries and plums along with a touch
of nutmeg and a bit of cola. Swirl and
sip then enjoy that rich red fruit followed by some beautiful Mason County
earthiness. This wine is well balanced
and is drinking nicely now. Pair this special bottle with your favorite dish
and know how it feels to live well. Cheers!
There
is nothing like sipping a great Merlot to help ease away the tensions of the
day. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this lovely wine has a good
balance of dark and red fruit. As you sip and enjoy it, you should discern
notes of plums in this beauty. It has good acids along with a delightfully smooth
mouthfeel to this gem. Relish this one with good food and great friends. Cheers!
This bold and tannic Italian red wine varietal shows
great structure along with a rich luscious mouthfeel. Sourced from the Texas
High Plains AVA, this bold wine pours an enticing dark ruby red color with
notes of black fruit and some spice that provides a lovely bouquet. Give it a few swirls and you might notice some
plums and a hint of raisin. There is just a touch of black pepper in there for
added depth along with medium plus acidity. This full-bodied delight is a great
wine, so enjoy it well. Cin Cin!
Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA, this white blend of 34% Roussanne, 33% Trebbiano, and 33% Albariño really hits those high notes of aromatic sensation and mouthfeel bliss. It’s very well balanced, refreshing, and a hit to pair with savory food options. This medium bodied white wine jewel is wonderful on its own but does complement fish and fowl proteins and vegetable dishes wonderfully. Enjoy well!
Blackmon
Wines - Mason, Texas
Bill
Blackmon...there is so much back story to tell about this great man, so let’s
save that one for a future novel. Even
just trying to sum up his contributions to the Texas wine industry is a lengthy
essay in of itself. Let’s just say that
many know him quite well from William Chris Vineyards. Who knew back then that starting out that
first opening day with his partner and good friend Chris Brundrett in an old
farmhouse that was still a “work in progress”, would lead to what the winery is
today. His labor of love and sweat at
cultivating the former Granite Hill Vineyards as well as contributing his
expertise to several vineyards and wineries in the area will leave a lasting
impression for a very long time.
Bill’s
latest venture in the Texas wine world is his own wine brand sourced from his
vineyard, Blackmon Ranch Vineyard, in Mason, Texas. Some of you may have been
lucky enough to grab a bottle of William & Chris wine that was sourced from
his vineyard a few years ago. Delicious doesn’t even begin to describe those
wines. Yes, it’s that damn good! Bill’s
vineyard sits on the Hickory Sandstone formation which has outcrops in Mason
and area counties. Several well-known
vineyards in the county have been out there for a while growing grapes. Many
Texas wine fans are aware of the superb fruit quality that these vineyards
produce that end up in award-winning wines. This soon to be Hickory Sands AVA
designation for those Mason County area vineyards will be a testament to the
uniqueness of this wine growing region. For the Blackmon Ranch Vineyards,
you’ll have some vines starting around 2015 onward. With primarily Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and some Petite Verdot being grown on the estate,
these vine jewels are the source for both single varietal and great blending
wines.
You
may have already had some “sneak peek” tastings of these wines at Mason events
and weekends when the tasting room is open. In the works for a while (and some
say longer) has been a tasting room on the square. It had opened for a soft
opening during the October 2023 Art and Wine festival and starting in 2024 more
regular hours on weekends. The prime
showing in the beginning was their 2021 releases. First up for tasting was their 2021 Red
Blend. Made from primarily Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and some Malbec, you’ll
get some rich balance of blackberries and cherries along with a touch of spice.
It’s well balanced, has good tannins, and has some excellent fruit forward
notes. Next up, was the 2021 Merlot.
This estate wine is full of rich flavors and enticing aromas that will
surely make a Merlot lover out of you instantly. The star of the selection must
be the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon. Oh my,
it is big and bold with a full mouthfeel and satisfying finish that leaves you
wondering if you have found the golden ticket. An extra treat to try is a
special tasting of their 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon. To say that it’s tasting well
now does not do justice. That is an extra special wine worth savoring. Check
out if the 2020 vintage is available and just maybe the 2018 first release
might be around for a few diehard fans.
All
these wines are very age worthy, and it will be an extra special treat to see
how they will continue to evolve over time. Texas weather is a never-ending
challenge, but Bill has gone through more than his fair share of those
challenges and still knows how to grow great grapes and craft great wine from
what may seem challenging odds. Let’s look forward to future releases as well
as going back in our cellar and re-sampling some of these wines in the future
(you might have to stick around 10+ years for that). Mason is well worth putting on your wine
travel bucket list to check out and explore, so stay tuned for future updates
and opportunities to try Blackmon wines in the future. Cheers!
Behold,
this special upcoming red blend. It’s
got the mighty Cabernet Sauvignon…it’s got the intense Syrah going for it…it’s
got the bold Petite Verdot and some big Barbera, as well. This big, bold, bad
beast will just envelope your senses with a wonderful A to Z fruit forward aromas.
This might present itself a little tight
initially but leave the bottle open for a while to breathe and open up. Great
acids and good tannins add to the mouthfeel leaving you craving for more. You
will want to pair this one with a great protein dish as it makes a great wine
to pairing. A wonderful new addition to Fly Gaps lineup. Enjoy!
You
may not come across many of these in Texas, but this Texas High Plains AVA
sourced Riesling is a good one to try.
It pours a deep pale hue with immediate aromas of citrus to greet your nose.
This light dry white wine is somewhat tart with a touch of green apple and a
little pear. This would make a great
street style fish dish to pair with, as well. Cheers!
Behold, this marvelous Sangiovese blend is a great Italian style blend
worth savoring. With 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Merlot added to
this red wine, it has a lovely dark color along with aromas of jammy fruit.
Probably less than moderate acids and low tannins, this wine is a smooth and
thoroughly enjoyable treat. It makes a nice sipper to pair with your next
Mediterranean style feast. Cheers!
Sourced
from Newsom Vineyards, this wine pours a very nice deep and rich red color and
will immediately fill your nose with dark fruit aromas. It has medium tannins
and about the same for acids, both of which balance out quite nicely with the
flavors of cherries, blackberries, and some mushrooms. There is a touch of
leather along with a bit of oak for the optimal finish. This red wine is a nice
gem to enjoy now but can be kept in your cellar a bit longer if you have
bottles. Cheers!
Feast well on this Sangiovese! Sourced from Phillips Vineyard of the Texas High Plains AVA, this red wine pours a light cherry color and expresses itself with aromas of cherries and plums. This medium bodied red wine treat is drinking exceptionally well now and is such a beauty to pair with food. Bright acidity, medium tannins and a touch of leather will round out the sipping profile. A simply fabulous Sangiovese to sip alone or to pair with your favorite charcuterie board or meal. Enjoy well!
Named
after the native Texas plant Texans all know and love, this club members’
driven blend of 45% Montepulciano, 35% Sangiovese, and 20% Aglianico is a take
on Super-Tuscan style wine. Sourced from Uplift Vineyards of the Texas Hill
Country AVA, it pours a semi opaque red-violet shade with notes of cherries initially
greeting you. There are some raspberries and a bit of leather as well in this
medium bodied dry red wine blend. It’s not over the top heavy or very tannic
and hits the good points about mid pallet.
Try a “take two” on the sipping experience and you’ll note some lovely
earthiness to complement the adventure.
The acids seem to be at a good point, and it is developing quite well.
This red wine jewel should evolve quite nicely over time. Salute!
What
a great way to welcome in a new Spring Day! Sourced from the Texas High Plains
AVA, this Rosé blend of 68% Mourvèdre and 32% Grenache entices with aromas of strawberry
and melons. It is fruity with bright
acidity and has a solid body to it. Add some delightful raspberry notes that
excite your palate and satisfy your sipping experience. You will want to be
well stocked on this treat as warmer months approach ahead. Santé!
Named
for the fragrant flowers from the yucca gloriosa plant, this Texas High Plains
AVA fruit is a great go-to warm day sipper. It’s a blend of 76% Gewürztraminer,
18% Riesling, and 6% Muscat Canelli that has a medium pale straw hue and
lots of aromatic floral notes. You may discern some stone fruit and minerality
with this bottle of wine, too. As you
continue your sipping session, green apples, lemons, and even apricot present
themselves quite nicely. With medium acidity, this Texas white wine is keeping
quite well for seven years young. Happy sipping!
Sourced
from Sprayberry Vineyard, this way-out west Texas sourced Malbec fruit packs
lots of berry notes along with rhubarb. This wine has a lighter body and color
than most Malbecs and is holding well at just eight years of cellaring. It is a
nice and smooth red wine with some cherry notes for added enjoyment. This is
certainly an enjoyable wine for sipping or pairing with your favorite snacks
and meals. Cheers!
The
estate vineyard of Bingham has been a long-time popular grower of top-quality
fruit in Texas for numerous wineries.
Though you may tend to find this grape as a blending varietal elsewhere,
it does make a great single varietal to enjoy. Grown in the Texas High Plains
AVA, this 2018 estate vintage has lovely floral notes with a touch of rose
petals. Add to that, some cranberry and blackberry notes along with a bit of smoke.
Sip a few times, and you might discern a bit of pepper in there along with a touch
of vanilla. This red wine jewel has medium tannins and about the same for
acidity. It’s a finely crafted Carignan, so enjoy. Cheers!
You
may not come across this varietal often, but when you do it can be super
delicious. Sourced from the Sierra Foothills AVA, this vintage of Charbono from
Bending Branch was harvested from Zentner Vineyards. Upon that first pour, you
will likely notice some intense violet aromas followed by spicey notes. Hints of rich cherries and subtle leather are
there as well. Swish and swirl for another sip, and those rich plum flavors
will certainly excite your wine senses.
It has a nice round feel to it for this medium bodied red wine, as well.
There are some noteworthy bragging rights to add as this was a 2021 San
Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition gold medal winner. Pair well, feast well,
enjoy well! A stunning wine that is still drinking very well.
This
estate wine from the Texas Hill Country AVA pours a light cherry hue and will
envelop your senses with rich red fruit. Sip and swirl and you will notice some
enticing tobacco notes coupled with a bit of earthiness. There is also a touch
of smokiness for added character that can be enjoyed on the finish. This barrel reserve wine has a nice smooth
texture that is ideal to be paired with food. As a San Francisco Gold medal winner, it does
not hurt to show off the label as well when serving. Salute!
This
jewel from Uplift Vineyards is a must have for showing off some fine Texas Hill
Country AVA white wine. It is a classic Rhône Valley style white of 62%
Viognier, 19% Marsanne, and 19% Roussanne. How does that please your wine
senses, you say? Well, to say it is aromatic galore with essence of floral
notes is an understatement. It gets even
better with that first sip as those ripe peaches really shine. You might also pick up a bit of citrus in
there, as well. On repeat sipping, that lovely honeysuckle note compliments
everything else. The acids are balanced and there is rich minerality. Add some Provence seasoning to your next
cuisine pairing with this one and indulge. Simply lovely. Cheers!
Wow!
This wine is one pretty darn good Sangiovese! Sourced from Alta Loma Vineyard
of the Texas High Plains AVA, this light bodied red is well rounded with some
wonderful cherries on the nose and palate. There is some white pepper and
luscious blueberry to add to the aromatic sensation of this fine wine. It has
solid acids and just the right tannins to help you enjoy this wine as a lovely
sipper or paired with your favorite Mediterranean meal. As you repeat sipping,
you may also discern some plums and cola. This elegantly styled Sangiovese just
might rival any fine Chianti style wine.
Salute!
The
journey these vines have made to make this wonderful estate fruit may have been
a long one, but patience and blessings from mother nature have paid off. Behold, Mourvèdre from Bilger Family
Vineyards is ready for your “wine down” celebration. This Texas Hill Country AVA fruit just
explodes with notes of black cherry and pepper followed by some plums. Take a
few sips and repeat and be prepared to be bedazzled by rich raspberries, as
well. This red wine has a great balance between the acids and tannins so your
wine dreams and expectations will be fulfilled. Alone or with a meal, you will
be fully satisfied with this bottle of estate wine. Enjoy!
Sourced
from Newsom Vineyards in Texas High Plains AVA, this refreshing white wine is not
only a real treat to have for summer, but also for those unexpected warm winter
days that arrive in Texas. Apples and lemons will be the main notes to greet
your palate. This bottle has good acids, a touch of minerality and a nice crisp
finish. Wine in a growler is truly the way to go these days – a delightful
white wine! Cheers!
This
special Doro collection from Perissos features their 2017 Tempranillo. The
discovery of a unique image at the bottom of the tank in the lees just
naturally led to this incredible wine release, with such a beautifully artistic
label. Sourced from the Texas High
Plains AVA and aged for three years in French oak, this bold and luscious red
wine is full of rich flavors along with a big satisfying mouthfeel. Cranberry and plum will be your main notes
for this nearly seven-year-old jewel followed by some cherries. Let’s call this
wine medium plus acidity with some nice firm tannins hanging in there. Of
course, proper justice is due by pairing this special bottle with a great fatty
meal food pairing. Enjoy well!
Behold,
this first vintage release of Estate Tannat from Bending Branch is quite
stunning. Sourced from their estate Lost Pirogue Vineyard in the Texas Hill
Country AVA, this rich, bold, and beautiful red wine is not only super delicious
on its own but is also fantastic to pair with some protein dishes or your best
dark chocolate. Cherry and cinnamon
notes really shine in this red jewel. The acids seem to be at the “sweet” spot
for this Tannat along with palatable tannins. Sip and swirl and you might also
pick up a hint of clove and maybe some currant. The technical details on the
back of the label will certainly be a joy for hard core wine geeks. Savor every
aspect of this red wine and enjoy it well. A true delight in the glass. Cheers!
Sourced
from the Texas High Plains AVA, this single vineyard varietal will envelop your
senses with lively aromas of blueberry and cranberry. Swirl and sip and savor the
luscious palate feel from start to finish. There is a touch of spice in each sip
along with some pepper. Tannins are about medium on this wonderful Sangiovese and
this beautiful red wine has some earthy undertones rounding things out. It is
aging quite nicely so keep an eye on your next bottle in the cellar for another
fantastic experience in the future. Salud!
Just
sit back and be bedazzled by this Mason County fruit. Just saying that the
fruit was sourced from Robert Clay Vineyards will set your wine sensors off in
high anticipation. On top of that, Mother Nature’s impact in 2017 did marvelous
wonders for just about every vineyard in Texas. Gazing at that first pour, you
will notice that it is a bit darker than most other Texas Merlots. It does not
take long to be refreshed by those fruity aromatic sensations, either. Soak up those cherry and cola notes and savor
that nice tantalizing acidity sensation and tannins. Your mouthfeel experience will be nothing
short of satisfaction and yes, those are some great earthy undertones that will
tickle your palate, too. With just a touch of leather, and you can see why
Merlot is “in” as a great red wine to drink. It’s drinking well now, but no
reason this one can’t keep cellaring a couple more years. Cheers!
During
the Spring 2019 release, club members got to vote on their favorite of two employees’
group red wine blends. The winner was
this well-balanced blend of 30% Tempranillo, 26% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Petite
Sirah, 17% Merlot, and 9% Cinsault. Sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA,
this incredible wine blend is big, bold, and quite beautiful. It’s big on notes
of blackberries and plums with some medium acids and a tantalizing tannic
finish. It has many, many, years of aging potential, so pop open every few
years and savor the ever-evolving changes. This wine demands a prime fatty
dish, so indulge well wine friends so you get an ultimate meal pairing
experience. Cheers!
This
red wine blend is such a meticulous masterpiece of creation that even the block
numbers are noted on the label. Sourced from the Texas High Plans AVA estate vineyard,
this blend of 63% Tempranillo and 37% Touriga Nacional pours an aromatic medley
of fresh fruit, with primarily blackberries and some raspberries on the nose.
Take a few sips and savor the bold flavors of cherries, currant, and a touch of
spice. This full-bodied blend is well balanced with big acids and bold tannins.
It already has bragging rights as a gold medal winner and with just one taste
of this jewel, you can see why. This lovely red wine will certainly pair well with
quality food and will not disappoint. Cheers!
Could
it be the spontaneous fermentation? Is it the neutral oak? Or might it be the
Texas Hill Country AVA fruit? Whatever
the source, the magic is real for this 2022 vintage Rosé masterpiece. Fermented
with ambient yeast, the natural essence of everything in the rich fruit comes
out in this lovely Rosé wine. As a blend
of Mourvèdre/Merlot,
the fresh fruit forward aromas will totally envelope your wine senses. Take a
few sips and savor every aspect of the tantalizing feeling and experience. There is everything to enjoy from the
aromatics to the palate for this sensational wine, so soak up that strawberry
and raspberry bouquet along with a touch of herbaceous notes. Go all out and pair
this lovely wine with some mighty fine smoked salmon. ¡Salud!
This
extra special vintage release is part of the winery’s Doro collection. When certain growing conditions and the right
craftsmanship come together, a special vintage is created and presented to
serious wine afficionados who appreciate and savor the gift. This first estate release of Picpoul Blanc is
quite remarkable. Aged in stainless steel, this Texas Hill Country AVA wine has
a super bright bouquet of tropical aromas that dazzle and delight the senses. A combination of citrus and apple meld with a
fine crisp feel as you sip this lovely white.
It truly is a refreshing treat, so enjoy the blessings in every sip and
glass of this beautiful jewel. Enjoy!
The
Buffalo Roam red wine blend version has always been a rock solid go-to wine.
This white wine version is on par with a great tasting experience and
gratification through and through. Sourced from the Texas High Plain AVA, this
fruit forward and luscious white wine blend will ease your mind into the sights
and vibes of the Rhone Valley. Take in
those notes of apricot with a touch of honey and relish the acid sensation
along your palate. There is Texas minerality in there along with notes of peach
for added character. A citrus note lingers after that initial sip, so feel free
to sip and savor to see what else might unfold. A truly lovely white blend. Cheers!
It
does not take long after opening this lovely bottle of Sangiovese to relish
those enticing aromas of raspberries and red berries. The wine pours a light
garnet hue for this Texas High Plains AVA sourced fruit. This bottle has good
acidity for this medium plus bodied red wine along with notes of dill. There
are some earthy undertones to this beauty for extra added depth and character.
Enjoy this one well. Cheers!
This
lovely light red colored Sangiovese is a delightful treat to experience. Sourced
from Narra Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, a nice light bouquet will
fill the air with fresh herbaceous notes. This is followed by notes of cherries
and raisins, with a smooth mouthfeel, making this an extra special wine to pair
with your evening cuisine. Some bright acids tantalize your palate with this
beauty. This is a bottle to help relieve
the stress of a long workday or week and help you transition to a more relaxed
and happier wine aficionado. Salute!
Saying
that this is a huge facility is an understatement. Not only do they serve some
great wines but they also have a distillery and brewery here. Talk about a one
stop shop for all. If that was not enough, they also have an excellent local
restaurant, 1894 Ranch, serving delicious farm to table cuisine that is to die
for (including locally raised Wagyu beef). Oh boy! So, how did this great place
come to be? Many longtime Texas wine friends are already familiar with Fiesta
Winery. The same people, Stephen and
Sally Baxter, have taken their next adventure to a whole new level. They come from many generations of family
ranchers, the Baxter and McCoury families, and have named this new inspiring
location from a blend of a couple of their family background names, Archie, and
Ray. The winery, distillery, brewery, and restaurant aren’t the only things to
admire here. There’s a great RV park being built, cabins, as well as plans for
a future Wyndham built but locally managed resort hotel on this site. This will
definitely raise the bar on the ultimate full service stay location in the ever-booming
Texas Hill Country.
There
is so much to share about this place, but for this blog let’s focus on the
wines. The “old” tasting room was opened
in 2022 and this brand new spacious facility opened up to the public last
summer. Family member Weston McCoury from Fiesta has been overseeing the
winemaking for Arch Ray. In addition to Fiesta wines, you can now sample some
great Arch Ray wines. There are
currently five main flights to choose from: Sweet White, Sweet Red, Dry White,
Dry Mix, and Dry Red. For this visit, the focus was on the Arch Ray wines
Dry White and Dry Red fights. Grapes for these Arch Ray wines are sourced from
the Texas High Plains AVA. First up for
the whites was the 2021 Viognier. It has a light tropical sensation with notes
of honeysuckle. This was followed by the 2021 Gewurztraminer. This white wine is big on pear and dried
apricot with a pleasant floral note. The 2021 Pinot Grigio has a light
refreshing feel with notes of crisp apple and a touch of honey. The last white sampled
was the 2021 Riesling. This German semi dry style wine packs a zesty floral
note coupled with notes of apple and pear.
For the reds, the first one sampled was the 2019 Mourvèdre. This well-known
Texas wine varietal had a touch of smoke and a bit of oak to compliment the
peppery feel and smooth finish. The second red was the 2019 Sangiovese. This
Italian style wine had rich cherries and spices. Another well-known Texas
varietal in this flight was the 2019 Tempranillo. This one packed some bold
cherries, and mouth puckering tannins with just the right shade of ruby color. Last,
was the 2019 Tannat. This bold and dark fruit wine was quite elegant with well-balanced
acids and a satisfying lip puckering finish.
You honestly can’t go wrong with any of these wines, so feel free to
dive in and enjoy.
In addition to the large indoor location, there is a covered patio area for scenic outside seating for you to soak up some classic Hill Country scenery. If you have time, plan to sample some of their food while you enjoy your tasting. The food items were sourced directly from the Baxter ranch. This is a sensational property that is still being developed, but for now, this destination is worth a stop. There are some great wines and tasty foods to enjoy here, along with a nice shop in the front of the main tasting room. Cheers!
Sourced
from 16-year-old Mourvèdre vines of Parr Vineyards, this far northwest
hill country fruit has big strawberry and minerality notes on that first pour
followed by some delightful watermelon. You might discern a hint of apricot as
you sip and swirl this cool wine treat, as well. The acidity is about halfway
between medium and light, plus the nice refreshing finish is a delight to
savor. Break this one out for those warm Texas winter days – a Texas treat in
the glass. Cheers!
