Slate Mill Wine Collective – Fredericksburg, Texas

The great expanse of Texas Hill Country wineries seems mind boggling at times.  The new grape varietals, quality of wines, and wine tasting experiences are vastly changing.   Many dedicated Texas wine fans remember the startup of 1851 vineyards a few years ago.  It was a great beginning with a great vision by the Hollimons that many fell in love with.  In 2019, they passed on their dreams to the Jones family.  Under the Slate Mill Wine Collective brand, the love and vision of 1851 Vineyards continues to be expanded along with a number of other independent boutique winemakers.  The Jones are certainly no stranger to the Texas wine industry.  They’ve enlisted the help of many well know Texas wine and vineyard expertise to help expand and elevate the estate to many new levels.  Haven been opened since 2019, your first visual notice is the greatly expanded vineyard site.  You’ll still take the leisurely road through the vineyards (plus all the newly expansive vine rows) and up to the now vastly expanded tasting room and wine making facilities.  The expanded areas of crushing area, winemaking, and barrel rooms gives a whole new meaning to everything is bigger and better in Texas.  Randy Jones can often be found here and will warmly welcome you with top county hospitality.  He is more than happy to tell you about what has been happening, their future plans, and of course, the great wines being served.  Randy sees this has a unique experience, both in wine tasting, company, and scenery.  The expanded wine tasting room includes a water wheel, outdoor patio, and fire pits.  It’s a great new atmosphere and décor to enjoy. The beautiful estate scenery sets the eye appeal for your visit.   The expanded wine making facilities serves not only in-house production, but as an incubator for new startup winemakers.  Tim Drake, now a legend in Texas wines, is heading the winemaking and can often be visibly seen chatting (and chatting and chatting) with customers and telling them about all the cool new wine things he is doing.   It looks like he may have found his new “home” for all things in great wine he wants to do.  Directing the whole “show”, is Jennifer Beckmann, well known and respected Texas sommelier. There are two sets of tasting sessions you can do. One is the 1851 brand where you can enjoy some previous and new in-house 1851 labeled wines.  The Collective tasting allows you to sample some wines from different small independent winemakers. Dandy wines from Wine for the People features a great selection by Rae Wilson. There are also reds and whites from Tatum Cellars made by Joshua Fritsche, who many remember from Williams and Chris Vineyards. Randy Hester has also been crafting some outstanding reds from the C.L. Butaud label, as well.  Selections from Majek Vineyard & Winery and Farmhouse Vineyards will be here, as well, for tasting. Being “new” and if you ask, you just might be able to sample some from both tasting tracks.  Also coming around the corner for Slate Mill is a 2017 Barbera for the Spring, a 2017 Tannat, and a 2017 Petite Sirah/Malbec blend (an out of this world blend!).  Future estate blends are also in the works, so keep your wine glasses close by. In addition to 1851 and independent winemakers, the collective will also include the Slate Theory Winery (not too far down HWY 290 east of Frederiksberg), Re:Rooted 210 Urban Winery (near Hemisphere Park in San Antonio),  and La Bonne Vie Ranch (beautiful ranch venue south of Fredericksburg).  With great people, great grapes, and a great wine, there will be no shortage of great things to come here.  No empty glasses here, as Randy will be sure that yours is full. With the ever fast-changing pace of Hill County wineries, you definitely don’t want to blink, or you will surely miss greatness. With second to none hospitality, this new collective will make you feel right at home. Enjoy, y’all!

www.slatemillwinecollective.com

Chica – NV; Hye Meadow Winery; Hye, Texas

Who wouldn’t like a good sparkling?  It can be a good option to help settle your nerves and a “cheer-you -upper” no matter what is going on.  Hye Meadow’s twist on this bubbly is quite interesting and appealing.  This beauty provides slight citrus on the nose initially. The semi-dry sparkling then explodes on the palate with intense honey and honeysuckle and pear notes. Fruit and floral sweet intensity with a bit of effervescence. Light acidity and smooth tasting, this one is a great one to enjoy as you shake off the stresses of the day and unwind. Relax, raise a glass or two and enjoy what this lovely Chica has to offer. Cheers!

www.hyemeadow.com

Enchanté – 2011; William Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

The name Enchanté has signified quality wine from Williams and Chris and served as a flagship brand ambassador since the very early days. As one of the winery’s initial blends, it is one red wine release you always look forward to every year. Primarily sourced from one of the oldest vineyards in the Texas Hill Country (Granite Hill Vineyards of Bell Mountain AVA) this vintage blend of 76% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Malbec can hold its’ own against many well-known wines from Bordeaux.  Is it a big claim to make? Yes, but this is a BIG wine to brag about too. The unprecedented Texas drought of 2011 certainly played a large part in enriching the grapes flavors.  However, it’s that magic winemaking touch of owners Bill and Chris that sealed the deal.  The ruby color is an eye catcher and you will be instantly hooked by the alluring cherry aromas.  Dark berries, plums, and a touch of spice envelop your taste buds in an Eden of joy.  It’s still very well balanced with moderate tannins and will hold its’ own for many years to come.  A keeper and sipper for your wine family to enjoy if you still happen to have any bottles left in your wine cellar. Die-hard William Chris fans know and recognize this wine as classic quality and a definite go to bottle for a fantastic wine experience. You know what to say now!

www.williamchriswines.com

Côtes de Provence Rosé – 2015; Domaine Houchart; Provence, France

Time has deepened this lovely Rosé’ into a much more vivid shade of pink and yet kept most of the wonderful flavors that one would expect intact.  The floral aromas of honeysuckle are enticing. The taste…everything from cranberry to strawberry to watermelon, apricots and more. The acidity is much lighter, and it is very smooth. With a nice medium finish to round things out, you can’t go wrong with another repeat. Salute!

Blanc de Noirs – 2015; Pheasant Ridge Winery; Lubbock, Texas

Winemaker Bobby Cox has had a reputation of producing some outstanding age worthy wines from Pheasant Ridge since the 1980’s.  His first sparkling white can be added to that list of great fine wines.  This 50/50 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is made in the traditional French Méthode Champenoise. A testament to patience, detail and time has yielded a marvelous bottle of bubbly. This five-year-old sparkler is in a lovely bottle and is quite an eye catcher only to be complimented by the refreshing aromas of that first pour.  Almonds and pears dominate the notes of this one.  It’s quite clean and crisp with a touch of “ahhhh” that leaves you feeling like you have just experienced a magical moment with your first sip.  Store this sparkling wine the correct way and it should last many years to come and continue to improve.  We won’t be disappointed. Cheers!

www.pheasantridgewinery.com

Tinto Cao – 2013; Lewis Wines; Johnson City, Texas

This Portuguese varietal has certainly found a niche in Texas. Winemakers Doug and Duncan have crafted this Round Mountain Vineyards sourced grape to yield a very refreshing bottle. Never mind that it’s just 12.5% alcohol, because you’ll never notice. This semi-translucent lovely purple hued beauty provides great floral aromas. Those are followed by a touch of mandarin and cranberry on the palate and a very nice mouth feel.  The acids are still maintaining well, and you’ll get a pleasant tannic finish.  Though 2013 was certainly a challenge for Texas vineyards with the late Spring freeze, this “survivor” makes a fine impression. It has been aging well and should continue to do so for many years to come.  Cheers!

www.lewiswines.com

Trichotomy – NV; William and Chris Vineyards; Hye, Texas

Blending can bring out the best of grape varietals and more. To get the right match one is either lucky the first time or goes through many trial and errors to hit that sweet spot. Certainly, control over quality grapes is one aspect of blending. This red blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Mourvèdre, and 25% Tempranillo is certainly a work of fine wine art in and of itself. This beauty has all the right aromas and flavors of top-notch wine blends. Josh Fritsche created this wine during his William and Chris days.  It reflects the quality he brings to his winemaking.  It is no surprise that it won the People’s Choice of the William Chris Winemakers’ Series. We loved the wine during the competition among the winemakers then and are thoroughly enjoying it now. Plus, the artwork on the label is cool! From the wine label to the wine, everything about it truly represents body, soul, and spirit! If you still have some bottles left in your cellar, they are drinking well, and you may still hang on to them a little longer. If you don’t have any left, we understand completely. Good wine should be enjoyed.

www.williamchriswines.com

Rosé du Faisan – 2017; Pheasant Ridge Winery; Lubbock, Texas

When you think refreshing and rejuvenating, a great Rosé can be the first thing to come to mind. This first Rosé from Pheasant Ridge doesn’t disappoint.  Sourced from Buena Suerte Vineyards of the Texas High Plains AVA, this blend of 57% Mourvèdre and 43%Tempranillo has that fresh fragrance you expect in a quality dry Rosé wine. You’ll relish in the flavors of cherry and plum with just a touch of lime.  Additionally, yes there is just enough tartness to round things out. This lovely wine one should keep for a couple of more years or more two, so no rush to drink it right now if you still have any bottles in your cellar. This one is a case worthy purchase, too!

www.pheasantridgewinery.com

Gutturnio Superiore – 2014; Il Poggiarello; Travo, Italy

When you have a wine of Gutturnio, then you have been blessed!  A wine from Eden…perhaps.  A wine to relish…. most definitely!  The beauty of some great wines starts with merely relishing their aroma as you open the bottle and then as you hold the glass up and inhale and breathe in the characteristics of the bouquet. The clear ruby red color is another thing of marvel with this beauty. This Barbera 55% - Croatina (Bonarda) 45% blend is equally emboldened with a great nose and palate. On the front of the nose you get big cherries and a touch of leather. Lingering in the background are some earthy notes that meld and mingle nicely with the bold fruit flavors.  How is the taste? You’re already 80% there, so let your tongue fill in the rest. Plums and spice round things out on the first sip.  It feels quite smooth and teases towards the end with a hint of vanilla and licorice.  Overall, this wine has rich long-lasting flavors to ensure you remember it for a very long time.  Moderate acids and light tannins make this one a well-diversified wine for pairing with pasta and meaty rich dishes. This one does not disappoint. Cin Cin!

ilpoggiarello.fpwinegroup.it

Dama Rosa – 2014; Flat Creek Estate Winery & Vineyard, Marble Falls, Texas

What a treat this is!  This special “Pink Lady” name brand is a partnership with Breast Cancer Resource Centers.  It has since served as a great way of expanding the discussion with survivors.  This blend of 78% Muscat Blanc and 22% Saignée has seen its color darkened with time, but the taste is still great. This sipper is a lovely semi-sweet, that packs lots of citrus and tropical notes and an ever slight frizzante on the finish. The nose is still floral with hints of jasmine. There is a touch of papaya and perhaps kiwi that lingers on the palate. Refreshing…yes! Pairs nicely with a spicy dish but also is so very wonderful to enjoy on its own too. Cheers to all who keep up this fight!

www.flatcreekestate.com