Tasting Notes

APEX 2016:  Estate blend of 49% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 10% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre and 9% Roussanne. Light in color and body, similar to a classic Pinot Noir, although extremely complex. Aged 6 months in TW Boswell Côtes du Rhône medium-plus toast oak barrels. Aromas of blueberry muffin, cocoa bean and mango, with overtones of terroir driven cherry and sweet peppers. Lighter aromas of potpourri, cloves and allspice with hints of Meyer lemon and melon. Well structured, lean tannins throughout the palate with medium-plus acidity and an elevated glycerin level resulting in an exquisite mouth-feel. Very pleasant, lingering finish.

APEX 2017:  100% estate grown, field blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Dolcetto and Roussanne. Aged in Côtes Du Rhône toasted French barrel which adds to the lively, fruity expression of this unique wine. Light in color with medium body. Aromas of blueberry, violets, caramel and ruby red grapefruit, with overtones of black pepper, molasses and black olive, and light hints of Mesquite, pear and kiwi. Even tannin structure with a nice mid-palate and finish. Cases: 50.

APEX 2018:  Rhône of 51% Syrah, 33% Carignan, 11% Mourvèdre and co-fermented with 5% estate Roussanne. Aged in a combination of 85% French oak and 15% American oak. Aromas of mocha, plumb, black current and strawberry with tones of spice, black olive and blueberry. Medium body with smooth, lean tannins.

APEX 2019:  Our unique blend of 51% estate grown Syrah, with fruit from the Texas High Plains AVA, including 23% Mourvèdre, 16% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Tempranillo. Aged in a combination of 25% French oak and 75% American oak. Bottled January 13, 2021. Aromas of dark berries, walnuts, molasses, leather and tobacco, well structured tannins and good balance. Peak drinking years 2024 – 2028.

APEX 2022:  Blend of 34% estate Syrah, 34% estate Mourvèdre and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from Dell Valley Vineyard near El Paso. Currently in both new and used French oak barrels since December 2022. Cases: 124. Peak years 2032 – 2034.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2016:  From our original block planted in 1999, this vintage has aromas of black cherry, currant and blackberry with subtle notes of white pepper, vanilla bean and violets with hints of fennel and chocolate. An elevated glycerol level and well structured tannins lends to an excellent mouth-feel with exquisite balance and flavor.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2017:  Estate. Hand harvested on September 16, 2017. This is the last vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon from the original block planted in 1999. The vines were removed in 2018 as part of our replanting project which we began in 2012, replacing trellis and irrigation systems, with 7×5 and 7×4 foot spacing and adding subterranean, along with above-ground irrigation. Aromas of black cherry, currant and blackberry with subtle notes of white pepper, vanilla bean, violets and chocolate. Well structured tannins, flavors and a long finish.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2018:  Grapes sourced from Six Harts Vineyard, Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested September 1, 2018. Aged 8 months with 100% French oak. Bottled October 15, 2019. Deep, intense color with aromas of black cherry, currant and plum with tones of baking spices, anise and hints of graphite. Rich bold flavors and high tannin content lend well to long term aging. Peak years 2026 – 2032.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2019:  Grapes sourced from Six Harts Vineyards, Texas High Plains. Harvested September 4, 2019, bottled July 30, 2020. Aromas of raspberry, currant, red plumb, blueberry, molasses and brown sugar with hints of fennel and vanilla bean. Full bodied with aggressive tannins and very good ageability. Peak years 2023 – 2027.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON 2021:  Grapes sourced from Paka Vineyards and Six Harts Vineyards, both in the Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested September 3 and September 16, 2021, respectively. Aged eight months in French oak. Bottled September 26, 2022. Aromas of cassis, plum, fennel and tones of vanilla, tobacco and green pepper. Aggressive tannins with good acidity. Peak years 2028 – 2032. Purchase

CABERNET SAUVIGNON RESERVE 2019:  Grapes sourced from Six Harts Vineyards, Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested September 4, 2019, bottled December 2, 2021. Twenty one months in three year French oak barrels. Aromas of black cherry, currant, suede leather and blackberry. Well structured with medium tannins and good age-ability.

CHARDONNAY 2015:  Estate. Texas Class Champion, 2017 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition. Aromas of melon, apple, mandarin orange, pineapple and wet stone, with undertones of honey and caramel present on the palate. Subtle creaminess and full, rounded mouth-feel.

CHARDONNAY 2016:  Estate. Hand harvested August 6. 2016 was a bountiful year even though we had an early bud burst on March 1. The lack of a late spring frost allowed all of the buds to go full term and give us nearly 6 tons of high quality fruit. Aromas of butterscotch and apple with undertones of almond, vanilla and jasmine. Texas Class Champion, 2019 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition.

CHARDONNAY 2017:  Estate. Hand harvested August 5. Aged sur lie for 9 months and bottled on July 22, 2018. Aromas of butterscotch, honeydew melon and water chestnut with undertones of almond, vanilla bean and pear. Subtle, buttery mouth-feel and viscosity. Very well balanced. Texas Class Champion, 2021 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition. Silver medal 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

CHARDONNAY 2019:  Estate. Hand harvested August 19, 2019. Aged sur lie for 5 months with French oak. Bottled July 30, 2020. Sweet aromas of sugar cookie and snickerdoodle with brown sugar, vanilla and butter that blossoms into subtle hints of white peach and white nectarine, with undertones of beeswax and wet rocks. Perfectly balanced with excellent oak integration. Gold medal and Texas Class Champion, 2022 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition. Gold medal, 2022 San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo International Wine Competition. Gold medal, 2022 Lone Star International Wine Competition. Peak years 2025 – 2027. Purchase

CHARDONNAY 2022:  Estate. Fermented and aged with French oak. Aromas of ripe golden apple, white peach and apricot, with hints of light oak notes. Nice silky texture with flavors of citrus and stone fruit. Good acid balance lends to a long finish with notes of minerality and spice. Peak years 2028 – 2030. Purchase

CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2016:  Estate. Produced in the old-world style, this Burgundian varietal was fermented using the bâttonage method in new, medium-toasted French oak and aged eight months sur lie. Aromas of pear, honeydew melon and vanilla bean with notes of almond, praline and a hint of crème brûlée. Round mouth-feel with a lingering finish.

CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2017:  Estate. Hand harvested August 5, 2017, bottled July 31, 2018. 100% free run, produced in the old-world style: barrel fermented bâttonage and aged sur lie in new French oak for eight months. Aromas of dates, salted caramel and praline with hints of lemon balm and apple blossom. Round mouth-feel with a great acid and glycerol balance. Long finish. Silver medal 2020 San Francisco International Wine Competition.

CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2018:  Estate. Hand harvested August 11, 2018. Free-run juice, fermented bâtonnage style and aged sur lie seven months in new French oak. Aromas of honeydew melon, dark chocolate salted caramel, gala apple and Asian pear with hints of crème brûlée and honeysuckle. Aromas translate directly to the palate with a very nice balance and finish. Peak: 2025 – 2029.

CHARDONNAY RESERVE 2022:  100% estate, hand harvested. Free-run, barrel fermented batônage style in new French Chêne medium toast barrels. Aged sur lie in barrel four months. Rich aromas of vanillla, peach and tangerine with a hint of mango accompanied by notes of pineapple, toasted bread and a subtle nuttiness. Full bodied with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and great acid balance. Flavors of stone fruit, vanilla and a hint of butter. Peak years 2029 – 2032. Purchase

COUNTY LINE 2017:  A collaboration between winemakers, Grayson Davies of Arché, which is in Montague County and Patrick Whitehead of Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard, which is in Cooke County. Blend of 50% Arché estate Syrah and 50% Blue Ostrich estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Aromas of mocha, plum, red currant, black pepper, licorice, blueberry, sage, cinnamon and violets.

COUNTY LINE WHITE 2022: Our second collaboration with Blue Ostrich Winery & Vineyard. Blend of 50% estate Arche Chardonnay with 50% Blue Ostrich estate Viognier. Peak years 2026 – 2028. Purchase

CUVÉE 2021:  Blend of 34% Merlot, 33% Mourvèdre, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and13% Dolcetto. Grapes sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA. Harvest dates from August 28 to October 10, 2021. Bottled September 26, 2022. Dark fruit aromas of blackcurrant and plum with earthy notes of wet stone, layers of herbal notes and undertones of vanilla. Full-bodied with good structure. Peak years 2028 – 2032. Purchase

DOLCETTO 2020:  Grapes sourced from Diamante Doble Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested August 27, 2020. Aged twelve months in French oak. Bottled December 22, 2021. Overtones of fennel and star anise with aromas of plum, blackberry, violets and a hint of earthiness. Medium bodied with good acid and tannin balance. Peak years 2024 – 2027.

MERLOT 2021:  Grapes sourced from Paka Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested September 3, 2021. Aged six months in French oak. Bottled September 26, 2022. Full bodied with aromas of blackberries, baked black cherry, plum and undertones of mocha and dark chocolate. Flavors reminiscent of cherry, dark chocolate and boysenberry. Good acidity and tannin structure. Peak years 2029 – 2033. Purchase

MOURVÈDRE 2019:  Grapes sourced from Buena Suerte Vineyards, Texas High Plains AVA. Harvested October 15, 2019. Eleven months in French oak. Bottled January 13, 2021. Meaty, savory aromas with overtones of chocolate covered strawberries, plum, blueberry and black pepper, with hints of violet. Medium bodied with good tannin and acid balance, and viscosity that creates a lingering finish. The aromas translate nicely to the palate. Peak years: 2024 – 2026.

MOURVÈDRE 2020:  Grapes sourced from the Gilmore Brothers Vineyard located in the Texas High Plains AVA. Aged 12 months in French oak, offering great tannin structure and mid-palate. Aromas of mocha, caramel, black cherry, plumb and blackberry jam with undertones of violets, black pepper and allspice. The balanced acidity and tannin structure lends to an ageable wine. Peak years 2025 – 2028.

MOURVÈDRE 2021:   Grapes sourced from the Diamante Doble and Gillmore Brothers vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Aged six months with French oak. Bottled September 26, 2022. Aromas of blackberry, roasted plum and black pepper with undertones of smoke, leather and jerky and hints of violet. Tastes of dried blackberry and currant. Medium body and acidity with a pleasant tannin structure. Peak years 2026 – 2029. Purchase

MOURVÈDRE 2022:  100% estate, hand harvested September 10, 2022. Currently aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Aromas of blueberry, plum, violet and meaty undertones. Flavors that translate well from the aromas. Smooth tannin structure and good acid results in a remarkably well balanced wine. Peak years 2031 – 2034.

PORTEJAS 2014:  Tempranillo Port with aromas of mocha, leather, tobacco, potpourri, cloves and strawberries. Flavors of berries and mocha with a long finish. Moderate sweetness. Aged 29 months in French oak barrel.

PRECEDENCE 2017:  Estate. Field blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier hand harvested on August 5 with 14% Chardonnay added after fermentation. Aromatic with hints of butterscotch, star fruit and honeydew melon. Well balanced with a long finish. Gold medal, 2020 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition.

PRECEDENCE 2018:  Estate grown 80% Roussanne, 5% Viognier, 5% Muscato Giallo and 3% Marsanne hand harvested and field blended August 4, 2018. Blended with 7% estate Chardonnay, hand harvested August 11, 2018. Aged sur lie with 60% French oak and 40% American oak. Aromas of butterscotch, apricot, cantaloupe and blood orange with floral overtones and a hint of nutmeg and molasses.

PRECEDENCE 2019:  Estate, field blend of 73% Roussanne, 6% Marsanne and 5% Moscato Giallo with 16% Chardonnay blended in after primary fermentation. Hand harvested on August 18 and 19, 2019. Aged sur lie with French oak for eleven months. Bottled July 30, 2020. Aromas of pear, apricot and a touch of peach, toasted coconut and vanilla bean. Hints of dried apple chips and light floral notes. Full bodied with good structure, balance and long finish. Silver medal, Lone Star Texas Wine Competition. Peak years 2024 – 2027. Purchase

ROUSSANNE 2014: Fruit sourced from Oswald Vineyards, Texas High Plains. Full-bodied Rhône-style, textbook Roussanne with honeyed richness. Complex aromas of honeysuckle, nectarine and apricot with undertones of white pepper. Aromatic profile translates directly to flavors on the palate. The macerated fruit lends itself to a rich, rounded mouth-feel with nice acidity balancing the grape’s typical oily viscosity. Long and elegant on the finish. 90 points, gold medal, 2016 San Francisco International Wine Competition. Rated one of the Top 10 Texas Roussannes by the Texas Wine Journal.

ROUSSANNE 2021:  Estate grown. Hand harvested August 28, 2021. Bottled July 14, 2022. Aromas of white peach, pear and apricot with tones of beeswax and chamomile. Full bodied white wine with good acidity and a lingering finish. Peak drinking years 2025 – 2030. Purchase

ROUSSANNE DESSERT 2015:  Dessert style wine, made from Roussanne grapes sourced from the Oswald Family Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Fortified with 115 proof barrel aged brandy. Aged 12 months with French oak staves. Cases: 82.

ROUSSANNE RESERVE 2019:  Estate grown. Hand harvested August 18, 2019. Free-run juice, barrel fermented and aged sur lie in new European oak for four months. An intriguing complexity of aromas, including apricots, white peach and Meyer lemon, with tones of beeswax and brioche with a hint of chamomile and caramel. Exquisite balance of acidity and alcohol. Very nice lingering finish. Great aging potential. Peak drinking years: 2026 – 2030. Purchase

RYAN’S RED 2016:  Blend of our estate Cabernet Sauvignon, 69%, and Syrah, 31%. Aromas of Bing cherry, violets, plum, blueberry and mocha. The flavors are well integrated with the oak, with more intensity from the fruit. Smooth mouth-feel and very well balanced.

RYAN’S RED 2017:  Estate grown 66% Syrah and 34% Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Aromas of smoked meat, black currant, blackberry, blueberry and pepper, with overtones of clove, vanilla, olive, tobacco and spice. Medium-bodied with good integration of fruit, oak and tannins.

RYAN’S RED 2021:  Our commemorative 15 year anniversary wine. A blend of 66% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the Texas High Plains AVA and 34% estate grown Syrah. Rich aromas of red fruit, including cherry and currant, with overtones of chocolate, blackberry, black pepper and spice. Aromas translate well to the palate. Aged 10 months in new French oak contributing to a good tannin structure giving this vintage excellent ageability. Peak years 2026 – 2030.

RYAN’S RED 2022:  Blend of 66% Texas High Plains Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% estate Syrah. Currently aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Aromas of red fruit, raspberry and currant with tones of cocoa and a hint of amaretto, overlaid with gravel and savory notes. Minerality on the palate and flavors of cooked rhubarb. Good tannin and acid balance. Peak years 2030 – 2033. Purchase

SYRAH 2015:  Gold medal 2017 Lone Star International Wine Competition. Old-world style Syrah similar to wines of Côte Rôtie in northern Rhône: 95% Syrah; 5% Viognier. Aromas of black currant, raspberry, violet, and chocolate molé along with hints of hickory, bacon fat, white pepper and smoke. Full-bodied with a good balance of acidity and alcohol with fine-grained tannins throughout the palate. Estate grown.

SYRAH 2016:  Estate. Complex aromas of bacon, chocolate, blueberry and black pepper that translate subtly to the mid-palate. A very elegant, well structured and approachable wine. Texas Class Champion, 2019 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition.

SYRAH 2022:  100% estate blend of 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier co-fermented in the Côte-Rôtie style. Currently aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels. Aromas of cigar box, black pepper and Bing cherry with layers of dark fruit and a hint of leather. Good structure and acidity with a savory undertone that translates to the palate. Peak years 2031 – 2034.

SYRAH RESERVE 2018:  Estate. Hand harvested August 18, 2018. Field blended and co-fermented with 3% estate Viognier, in the traditional Côte Rôtie style. This blend brings layers of elegance, balance and aromatic dimension. A 35% saignée resulted in exquisite concentration of not only color but aromas and flavors. Aromas of Luxardo Maraschino cherry, black currant, raspberry and violet with hints of coffee, chocolate and white pepper. Barrel aged in new French oak for 9 months giving this wine a smooth tannin balance with a lovely mid-palate and flavors that lead to a lingering finish. Peak years 2023 – 2029.

TEMPRANILLO 2016:  Medium-bodied Spanish variety bolstered with the addition of 10% estate Cabernet Sauvignon. The Tempranillo grapes were sourced from Bayer Family Vineyards in Terry County, giving it the Texas High Plains AVA. Aromas of plum, dried fig and sweet vanilla with overtones of tobacco and cedar, with hints of clove and dill. Flavors of cherry with a touch of leather, and medium acidity that delights the palate. Well structured tannin profile that lingers on the finish. Good aging potential.

TEMPRANILLO 2019:  Harvested September 23, 2019 at Bayer Family Vineyards in the Texas High Plains AVA. Aged with 75% American and 25% French oak. Bottled July 30, 2020. Aromas of rhubarb, strawberry, baking spices, Chinese five spice, cranberry, a hint of peach and undertones of molasses.

TEXAS ROSE 2017:  This dry rosé is a blend of our estate grown Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon produced using the saignée method. Crisp, dry and fragrant with loads of fresh berries and citrus notes. Excellent balance and a refreshing, light, crisp finish. Label artwork by Donna Howell-Sickles.

TEXAS ROSE 2018:  Blend of our estate grown Syrah, Ratliff Ranch Syrah in Wise County and Cabernet Sauvignon from Six Harts Vineyard in the Texas High Plains AVA. Produced using the saignée method resulting in a light, blush color. Very fragrant with aromas of strawberry, apple, persimmon, tangerine and candied fruit. Refreshing, light and crisp on the palate. Label artwork by Donna Howell-Sickles.

TEXAS ROSE 2019:  Dry rosé blend of 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Tempranillo, 18% Mourvèdre and 8% estate Syrah. Saignée occurred during fruit processing resulting in a pale coral hue with minimal tannin extraction beguiling an assertive, complex aroma and dry flavor palate. Aromas almost too numerous to mention include peach, nectarine, red plumb and strawberry with hints of blood orange, cherry, hibiscus, green peppercorn and watermelon. Label artwork by Donna Howell-Sickles.

TEXAS ROSE 2021:  Crisp, dry rosé produced by the saignée method. Blend of Merlot, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dolcetto. Beautiful color and aromas of fresh fruit with floral notes. Balanced acidity and finish. Label artwork by Donna Howell-Sickles.

TEXAS ROSE 2023:  100% estate grown, dry rosé. Blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache Noir. Very light peach hue. Delicate aromas of peach and strawberry with hints of tangerine and grapefruit. Well balanced with a crisp, clean finish. Label artwork by Donna Howell Sickles. Peak years 2024 – 2025.  Purchase

TRUE FRIENDS 2015:  82% estate Chardonnay and 18% Roussanne sourced from Oswald Vineyards. Texas Class Champion, 2018 Houston Rodeo Uncorked International Wine Competition. Aged sur lie for eight months. Aromas of peach, melon, orange blossom and honey with hints of lemon and caramel. Flavors of citrus with savory notes.

TRUE FRIENDS 2020: Estate blend of Chardonnay (80%) and Roussanne (20%). Hand harvested and field blended August 22, 2020, bottled August 04, 2021. Fermented bâttonage style and aged sur lie for 10 months. Aromas of apricot, honeydew melon, orange blossom and a hint of caramel. Gold medal, 2021 Lone Star International Wine Competition. Purchase

TRUE FRIENDS 2022:  Estate blend of 66% Chardonnay, 25% Roussanne, 6% Marsanne and 3% Viognier. Aged six months sur lie with convection toasted French oak. Bottled May 24, 2023. Aromas of fresh apricot, Meyer lemon and white peach with tones of sweet caramel and green apple, and hints of crème brûlé and wet gravel. Refreshing balance on the palate with flavors of stone fruit and vanilla bean. Very subtle peppery finish. Peak years 2026 – 2029. Purchase

VIOGNIER 2021:  The first and only 100% estate Viognier produced at Arché. Grown during the infamous “Storm Uri” when we received temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Barrel fermented and aged in new French oak for 4 months. Harvest weight: 701 lbs. Brix: 24.5. pH: 3.89; final: 3.56. Cases: 25.