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The Story of Two Wineries

By Darryl Beeson

Becker Vineyards- Texas on the Wine Map

Located in the Texas Hill Country between Fredericksburg and Stonewall, not far from the LBJ Ranch, Becker Vineyards was established in 1992 by Richard and Bunny Becker. Ironically, the first vineyard was planted on a site of native mustang grapes, prized by their German neighbors and the frontier ancestors for winemaking. Later, the Beckers planted a large field of lavender to capture something of the wine country of Provence, France.

They produce a European inspired red called the Becker Vineyards Claret, the first Texas wine to contain all five red Bordeaux varietals. It was carefully matured in French and American oak barrels for 18 months. Rich and complex, there are essences of raspberries, blackberries, cassis, chocolate and spice ($17).

In November of 2001, President Bush and President Putin were served Becker Vineyards' Chardonnay Reserve and a Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon at The Crawford Summit in Texas. Subsequently, the Becker Viognier and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon have been served at White House dinners.

Becker Vineyards is  located ten miles east of Fredericksburg and three miles west of Stonewall, off Highway 290 on Jenschke Lane. Call before visiting at 830-644-2681.   www.beckervineyards.com

Cooper Mountain- East Meets West

The Cooper Mountain "Five Elements" Old Vines Pinot Gris 2001 ($19) benefits from an Eastern insight. "There are five seasons, not four." says Cooper Mountain owner/founder, Dr. Robert Gross. "Spring, summer, late summer, fall, then winter. This is more of an Eastern philosophy that better reflects what the vine experiences." The five elements in the wine's name are derived from the five season philosophy. Late summer is when the complexities may develop. Late summer is when rain may destroy everything before the harvest can be accomplished.

This is the only winery in the Northwest that produces from all estate grown fruit that 100% certified Biodynamic and organic. They also offer a chardonnay and a pinot blanc as additional white wine options. Cooper Mountain offers a pinot noir for those that prefer a red wine. Organic farming has been associated with geeky, tie-died results. The entire wine industry has discovered that sustainable farming practices can result in wine that just tastes better.

Only 150 cases are made of this white wine each year. This wine exhibits a very special mineral component. The aroma is subtle and refreshing. A sip offers crispness grounded in earthy, expansive flavors. This is the most limited offering from Cooper Mountain, and certainly is their finest pinot gris. Though hard to find, call the winery and they will help you find a retail source.

If visiting  the area, the tasting room is open every day from 12-5pm (503-649-0027, closed January), situated about a half hour southwest of Portland . The website has links to a map for directions to the winery, plus many other things about elusive and tasty Cooper Mountain wines.    www.coopermountainwine.com 

Darryl Beeson travels the world looking for great wine values. In the past, he has been wine steward or cellar master for The Mansion on Turtle Creek, Voltaire, and The Adolphus Hotel. Not one for stuffiness or secret handshakes relative to wine, this Texan might now be described as a "ki-yi-yippee sommelier, sommelier." Beeson reports on wine, spirits, food and travel for numerous publications.

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