Black Mesa Winery is in the forefront of New Mexico’s wineries; not just with their wines, but the numerous special events they host each year. The Black Mesa Valentine Special is no exception. Jerry and Lynda Burd took over the winery in 2000 from the Andersons who founded it in 1992. Since then Jerry has greatly expanded the line of wines they make and Lynda makes most of the eye-catching labels for which they are justly proud.
Black mesa’s 4th Annual Barrel Tasting is the weekend after Valentine's Day Saturday and Sunday, February 16th & 17th. In addition to tasting wines in the Barrel Room, drawn from the barrels, attendees can taste New Mexico cheeses from Old Windmill Dairy, and sample chocolates from Senior Murphy's of Santa Fe.
For those not familiar with barrel tasting, obviously one does not taste the barrel, except indirectly through the oak’s influence on the wine. A wine thief – yes, that’s what it’s called – is a long glass tube with an open top. Once inserted into the barrel’s bung hole, placing a thumb over the opening will allow wine to be drawn out and poured into glasses. This is the time-honored way wine was always checked during its aging process to determine when the wine was ready to bottle.
Tasting a still aging wine is a fascinating way to learn more about wine and the impact of oak on a wine’s character. But there is still another reason to stop by the winery. They are celebrating their 14th year at the winery by offering tastes of Library Wines. These are older vintages that most wine makers keep to track how wines age and evolve over time. The 2007 Coyote, 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon, and 2007 Velarde Syrah will be tasted, plus a few other surprises are planned.
Those interested can sign up online or call the tasting room, 505-852-2820 to make a reservation. Wine Club members and guests are $15; all others are charged $20 each.
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