Austin

from ARBOR SUMMER FALL 2021

REPORT

Austin Austin

Yes, a real party, with face-to-face people. It was a treat for the Austin Chapter’s Knights and Gentle Ladies gathered at the Driftwood Fall Creek Vineyard just south of the Capital City to enjoy wines, food, the outdoors and good company on April 25th.

The wine was indeed flowing and all the varietals were wonderful. The selections from Fall Creek Vineyards included their 2019 Fall Creek Chardonnay, Certenberg Vineyard; 2020 Fall Creek Vineyards Grenache Rosé, Salt Lick Vineyards; 2017 Fall Creek ExTERRA Tempranillo, Salt Lick; and the 2016 Fall Creek ExTERRA Mourvèdre. Supreme Knight Ed Auler and Supreme Lady Susan Auler, owners of Fall Creek, were all smiles and justly proud of their award winning wines and the pleased expressions on the guests’ faces.

Needless to say, many conversations focused on how everyone had been coping with the pandemic. The situations talked about ranged from almost 100% lockdown to some travel. And it seemed as if everyone at the party had been vaccinated, which added to the feeling of relief about being able to enjoy the company of others – outside of one’s pod.

Austin Catering served a sumptuous spread of food which was a fine accompaniment to the stellar wines. Many grateful guests remarked about how lucky we are to be able to enjoy their wines and that Susan and Ed are a significant part of our chapter’s success.

Towards the end of the party, Ed Auler was asked by Master Commander Jerry Gatlin to speak about the wines that were being served. He told of the awards that they had been receiving. For instance, Fall Creek Vineyards’ three newly released ExTERRA wines have all received a score of 91 from renowned wine critic James Suckling in the tasting report, American Wine Revolution, a review excluding West Coast wineries. The new ExTERRA label was created as confirmation of the star quality of three single vineyard varieties deemed exceptional by the winemaking team.

The American Wine Revolution review continued, “Fall Creek’s Mouvèdre has proven its star quality the past 3 vintages, thus its place as 100% varietal wine in 2016. It is increasingly clear that Mourvèdre is an ideal variety for the clay-loam and limestone soils of the Hill Country. The Mouvèdre is quite elegant with lively fruit character reminiscent of red and black plum and ripe tannins supporting the terrestrial flavors of farmland soil, sarsaparilla and morel mushroom. 18 months in 50% New French and American Oak.”

As they were leaving, many guests decided to purchase a few bottles to take home and savor. It was a wonderful day of fun in the sun at Fall Creek and the harbinger of many more parties to come for the Austin Chapter.

Kelley & Travis Lightfoot