Texas winemaker launches Blackmon wines with focus on quality and tradition

Bill Blackmon, a seasoned Texas winemaker, has launched his own wine company, Blackmon Wines, with a tasting room located on the picturesque town square of Mason, Texas. Blackmon, who has over 40 years of experience in winemaking, is deeply involved in every aspect of his vineyard, which spans over six and a half acres along Highway 29 in Mason County. The vineyard, planted in 2015, features Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot grapes, grown in unique Hickory Sands soil mixed with clay and quartz. The elevation of 1,850 feet and the natural drainage of the land have helped the vineyard avoid frost issues so far.

Blackmon, originally from a farming family in the Texas High Plains, co-founded William Chris Vineyards in 2010 with Chris Brundett. The winery became a leader in the Texas wine industry, emphasizing the use of 100% Texas-grown grapes. Before William Chris, Blackmon worked with several other wineries, including Pheasant Ridge and Becker, and taught viticulture to Texas farmers. Now, with Blackmon Wines, he focuses on producing wines from his own vineyard, showcasing the varieties he enjoys most: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec.

During a recent visit to the Blackmon Wines tasting room, Blackmon shared his passion for winemaking and guided a tasting of his wines. The 2021 Merlot, priced at $85, features a dark ruby color and aromas of vanilla, baking spices, and chocolate. It offers rich raspberry flavors and firm tannins, making it a wine best suited for aging. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $115, has a dark ruby hue and notes of cedar and baking spices. Its pronounced tannins suggest it will benefit from several years of cellaring. The 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $124, shows the benefits of an extra year of aging, with mellowed tannins and complex aromas of blackberry, cedar, and pencil lead. The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, priced at $136, stands out for its powerful black fruit flavors and garnet color, reflecting its age.

Blackmon Wines currently produces around 500 cases annually, with low yields due to the vineyard's conditions. Cabernet Sauvignon yields about 1.5 tons per acre, Merlot 2.5 tons, and Malbec 3.5 tons. Production is expected to grow as more Malbec vines mature. A Malbec-dominant blend, named Elizabeth in honor of Blackmon's wife, is in the works, along with a Merlot-dominant blend. However, the vineyard faced a significant setback in 2023 when hail reduced the crop by 70%, leaving yields too low for crop insurance coverage. Despite this challenge, a limited release of wine from the 2023 harvest is planned for October.

The addition of Blackmon Wines to Mason's town square enhances the area's reputation as a hub for Texas winemaking. Blackmon's expertise and dedication bring another high-quality name to the state's growing wine scene.