Becker Vineyards Double Gold Collection 2018

Becker Vineyards Double Gold Collection 2018

Earlier this year in my Texas Wine Month story that appeared in Dale Robertson’s column in the Houston Chronicle (Great Texas wines to try for Texas Wine Month – click here), I commented that Texas should be extremely proud of their Texas wine industry. The reason for this statement was far more than bluster. In this year’s San Francisco Chronicle’s prestigious international wine competition, a total of 14 Texas appellation wines earned double-gold medals in the blind tasting/judging. That means every judge on a panel deemed the wine worthy of a gold.

After perusing the results of this competition one more time since my story ran, I learned that four of the 14 double-gold medals went to one winery – Becker Vineyards. This is a stellar performance not often seen in these competitions. In fact, no other winery (Texas, national or international) in this year’s competition can lay claim to this double-gold distinction.

But wait, there’s even more to this story. Of the four double-golds received by Becker Vineyards, they include four wines that cover a breadth of wine styles and price points:

Becker Vineyards, 2014 Raven, Texas Hill Country (Malbec, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon Blend) – The grapes for this Texas shining star are all Hill Country. They define the mineral quality of this growing region. This wine displays a highly concentrated red and black fruit and a fine tannic structure. Aromatics include baking spice – allspice and nutmeg layered with floral notes. It’s a “Big Boy” wine with high quality that commands a worthy price. But, this is your go-to wine for your very special events.

Becker Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Canada Family Vineyard, Texas High Plains – This is one of the most sought-after of the Becker single vineyard designated Cabernet wines. Aromatics: heady violets, dried herbal notes, straw, mint, and fig; on the Palate: raspberries, bing cherries, green peppercorn, leather, dried herbal notes

Becker Vineyards, 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve, Wilmeth Vineyard, Texas High Plains – A grand example of Texas Cabernet. Aromatics: violets, baking spices, oak, vanilla, and dried red fruit; on the Palate: Dried raspberries and currants, astringent medium to medium/high tannins, mild green peppers, eucalyptus. Built to age.

Becker Vineyard, 2016 Reserve Merlot, Texas – This wine is made from a combination grapes from three Texas High Plains vineyards combined with those from the Becker Estate Vineyard in the Texas Hill Country. This is one of the most widely distributed of the Becker wines and can be found in many markets and wine shops around the state, and the price point of this wine begs that it should become your everyday offering for friends and family Aromatics: rich, jammy fruit, earth, violets, vanilla;  on the palate: cassis, red fruit, tobacco with a lingering fruit finish.

Congratulations to our Texas wine industry for a great West Coast performance. But most of all, the highest recognition this year needs to go to Becker Vineyards for their 2018 Double Gold Collection! Thanks to Dr. Richard and Bunny Becker and the whole Becker Vineyards family for making us Texas Proud.