Cellar Master Chris Hightower led the Cadre Processional
Grand Commander Buddy Hagner addressed the Assemblage
Hill Country Austin
Assemblage at Hotel Granduca in beautiful
On Tuesday, September 7, the Austin Chapter of Knights of the Vine gathered for its annual Grand As‑ semblage; almost two-and-a-half years after the last one due to the pandemic. This year, the venue changed to the palatial Hotel Granduca, nestled in the rolling Hill Country, west of downtown Austin. With its Italianate decor and regal feel, the Granduca was perfect for this gathering of Knights and Gentle Ladies. The Hill Coun‑ try vistas made the night especially elegant.
Members and inductees gathered at 6:30 p.m. for a champagne reception and conviviality in the hotel’s foy‑ er. Then at 7:00 p.m., everyone took their places in the ballroom, “March Grandisoso” sounded forth, and the Cadre made its processional entrance. With the Cadre gathered behind him, Master Commander Jerry Gatlin welcomed the crowd and then inducted 24 new mem‑ bers into the chapter’s ranks. He noted that this was the largest class of new members in chapter history. He also expressed thanks to the Cadre members who pitch in to make the chapter work smoothly. As the elegant multi-course dinner was served, Knights and Gentle Ladies renewed contacts, made new friend‑ ships, and talked about subjects such as the exploding Austin real estate market, politics (no shortage of topics there), and the qualities of the fine wines being poured. Many of the participants decided to make a true night of it and stay in the hotel’s guest rooms until the next morn‑ ing. It was a great night of fun, friends, food, and wine.
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by Master Scribe Forrest Preece Photos by Charles Quinn Photography
Wines served at the Austin Assemblage included: 2010 Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut This elegant blanc de blancs shows a pleasing vibrancy from the lively bead and bright acidity, both wellmeshed to pretty floral and spice accents and flavors of Gala apple, biscuit and lemon zest. Creamy. 2019 Chene Blue Rosé Bright salmon skin. Powerful, mineral-accented nec‑ tarine, raspberry and melon scents, complemented by citrus pith and floral nuances. Vibrant red berry, blood orange, nectarine and candied lavender flavors possess impressive depth as well as energy. Shows strong tension and repeating mineral character on the long, gently chewy finish, which leaves a floral note behind. 2016 Simonnet Febvre Chablis Les Preuses Grand Cru Ripe and bold but with great freshness. This is an impos‑ ing and elegant wine with a rich lemon-tart character. Flinty and salty, a very long, super-elegant finish. Occidental Pinot Noir Freestone Occidental 2016 Pale to medium ruby-purple, this wine has a bright, open nose of warm cranberry, rhubarb and pomegranate with raspberry and red cherry preserves plus notes of saline, orange peel, autumn leaves, rose petal and stone. Light to medium-bodied, it's packed with juicy red, perfumed
The Arbor
