Blanc du Bois – 2005; Lost Creek Vineyards; Sunrise Beach, Texas

This wine has been preserved quite well in the cellar and the time had arrived to enjoy it. Upon opening, you’ll first notice the citrus like aroma.  After pouring, there is an ever so light effervescence on the sides of the wine glass. It has both a fruity and floral taste, as well as, an off dry feel.  This is not a sweet wine, and we found it a nice alternative to chardonnay.  This is one of the “pre-flood” wines from Lost Creek.  The flood of 2007 wiped out their original tasting room, wines, and most of the vineyard.  We also have their “post-flood” wines and hope to feature those at a future date.  Sadly, the Bistro was destroyed by a fire last year.  It’s not known when or if the place will reopen, but in the meantime savor their wines and drink with care! Thankfully, neither flood nor fire has stopped this winery from producing nice Texas wines, so we encourage you to get out and try their Blanc du Bois.

www.lostcreekvineyard.com

Fawn Crest Vineyard - Canyon Lake, Texas

This small family run boutique winery is located on the north side of Canyon Lake.  Owners Wayne and Patty McNeil have staked out a vineyard and wine making facility on their homestead since 1999.  Production is typically under 400 cases a year.  After 10 years of wine making, they have made a reputable claim for themselves for producing some award winning red wines.  They use some grapes from their “plantation” and some from other parts of the country.  The one white wine in the lineup is a Chardonnay.  It is quite crisp with a smooth finish and just lightly oaked.  Among the reds available for tasting are Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Meritage, and two versions of Cabernet Franc.  Both the 2008 and 2010 Cabernet Francs are 100% Cabernet Franc grapes.  The 2010 release is a gold medal winner that Wayne is not ashamed to brag about. Making 100% Cabernet Franc wine is not common in Texas, but this is one of the few places that do it very well!  We were able to feature one of their 2003 Cabernet Franc vintages last year on the blog.  It was delicious!  With the red wines, you’ll notice little tannins and just enough oak to compliment but not overpower the natural red grape flavor. These are mellower, smoother version of reds, easier for more folks to get to enjoy some really wonderful, rather than typically strong tannin grape varietals. Though Wayne may have tipped his hat to us on his wife’s “secret” to red wine making, rest assured we don’t sip and tell!  The tasting room’s back porch has an excellent view of the vineyard’s lake.  It will be worth your valuable sipping time to have a glass or two of some wonderful Texas wines while enjoying the friendly dogs and company.  You’ll also be able to soak up some great Texas Hill Country views!

www.fawncrest.com